¶ The right pleasant and goodly History of the four sons of Aimon the which for the excellent enditing of it, and for the notable prows and great virtues that were in them: is no les pleasant to read, then worthy to be known of all estates both high and low. ☞  
 depiction of four knights in armour, the four sons of Aymon, with swords drawn, riding a single large horse or Bayard   

The Prologue.  
AS the Philosopher in the first book of his methafysyque saith that every man naturally desireth to know and to con new things▪ And therefore have the Clerks & people of great understanding desired and coveite to learned sciences and to know virtues of things. Some by Philosophy, other by poetry, and other by Histories and cronyckes of things passed. And upon these three they have greatly laboured in such that thanked be God, by their good diligence and labours: they have had great knowledge by innumerable volumes of books, which have be made and compiled by great study & pain unto this day. And because that above all things the princes & lords of high estate and intendment desire to see thy stories of the right noble and high virtues of the prodecessours which been dign, and worthy of remembrance of perpetual recommendation. Therefore lace at the request and commandment of the right noble and vertus earl john earl of Oxeforde my good singular and especial lord I reduced & translated out of French into our maternal and english tongue the life of one of his predecessors named Robert earl of Oxeforde tofore said which diverse & many great miracles which God showed for him as well in his life as after his death, as it is showed all a long in his said book. And also that my said Lord desireth to have other Histories of old time passed of virtues chivalry reduced in likewise into our English tongue: he late sent to me a book in French containing th'acts and feats of war do one and made against the great Emperor and king of France Charlemagne by the four sons of Aymon, other wise named in French, Les quatre sylz Aymon. which book according to his request I have endevorde me to accomplish and to reduce it into our english, to my great cost and charges as in the translating as in enprynting of the same, hoping & not doubting but that his good grace shall reward me in such wise that I shall have cause to pray for his good and prosperus welfare, And beseeching his said noble good grace to pardon me of the rude and this simple work For according to the copy which he sent to me I have followed as nigh as I can, and where as any default shall be found I submit me to the correction of them that understand the chronicle & history besething them to correct it & amend there as they shall find fault. And I shall pray almighty God for them that so do to reward them in such wise that after this short and transitory life we all may come to everlasting life in heaven. Amen.  
¶ Thus endeth the prologue.   

❧ Hear followeth the Table of this present book.  
WHo that will know the history of the four noble and worthy knights, named the four sons of Aymon, whereof the first was called reynald, the second Alarde, the third Guychard and the fourth richard: let him first read this present table following, In which men shall find that this present book containeth xxviii chapters, which speaken of many fair and diverse matters, which they that shall read this said chapters shall mow see the history all along. And ye shall see in this first chapter, how that after king Charlemagne was come again from the parties of Lombardy where he had had great and marvelous battles against the sarasyns: he held upon whitso●daye open court at Paris where was a fair fellowship of Princes and Barons, as ye shall hear after along. And in the same chapter ye shall also see how the same day the duke Aymon of arden brought to the court his four sons, that is to wit reynald, Alarde, Guichard and Richard, and how king Charlemagne made them knights with his own hands, also how the duke Benes of Aigremounte slew Lohier the eldest son of king Charlemagne. the duke Benes was uncle to the four sons of Aimon, and after how the duke Benes of aygremount was slain coming to Parts by the commandment of king Charlemagne after that he had appointed for the death of his son. And also in this first chapter men shall now see many other fair matters, which were to long for to be rehearsed in this preambule of this present book. fol. i.  
THe second chapter showeth how Grysson of havitefelle and Guenes after that they had slain the Duke Benes of Aygremount-retourned to Paris and recounted to king charlemain the mortal treason that they had put to execution, whereof the king was right glad and sin after he was right sorry for it. For after that the two brethren of the Duke Benes made great war against him, and so did Gerarde of Rousillon, and Dron, and Mawgys the son of the duke Benes, and after they made peace and accorded together. But the king Charlemagne accorded not with the four sons of aimon nor to their cousin Mawgys. ❧ Item how reynald slew the nephew of king Charlemagne with a chess board as they played together at the chess, whereof the war began the which was so mortal and lasted so long: that it bore a great damage to the realm of france. fol. xiii.  
THe third chapter speaketh, how after that king Charlemagne had made all his barons to forsake the four sons of aymon. He went and besieged them at mountenforde where he was discomfited two times but the castle of Mountenforde was taken after that, by treason. And after how reynald and his brethren avenged them of the traitors that betrayed them. And after saved themself within the forest of arden where their father found them as he went from the siege toward his land of Dordon. And how for to keep his oath that he had made to king Charlemagne: He did assail his sons, so that of five hundred men that they were there abode on live with his sons but xvii. persons. But Reynawd and his brethren had none evil, but slew many of their father's men. fol. xvi:  
THe fourth chapter showeth how after that the old Aimon had discomfited his children: they went and dwelled in the deepest of the forest of arden and abode there till that they were all counterfeit black and rough as wild beasts for the great hungers that they had suffered, and after they went to Dordon for to see their father that made them good cheer, and feasted them greatly. And gave them of havoir so much that they might well make war with against the king, and how Mawgis their cousin arrived when that they should have departed, which went with them in to the realm of Gascoigne with five hundred knights. And when their mother saw them depart: she was for it full sorry. fol. xxxi  
THe fifth chapter showeth how after that reynald and his brethren with their cousin mawgys were departed from their mother for to seek their adventure: they went so long till they came to the realm of Gascoigne. And how going thither ward they made many evils in France. And how the king of Gascoign when they were come there▪ did receive them in his service right sweetly in bourdeux upon Gyrond, by cause that than this king of Gascoigne that was called Yond had war against a king sarasin that was entered in to Gascoigne, that had to name Porrus that held Tholouse and all the land about. fol. xxxvi.  
THe vi chapter speaketh how Reinaud and his brethren distressed bourgons a saracen that had destroyed the realm of Gascoign, and had chased the king yond to bourdeux upon Gyronde that durst not departed from thence, for fear of the sarasyns. And how king you gave his sister Clare unto Reinaud to be his wife, for the great service that he had done to him. And did do make for him the castle of Mountawban. fol. xxxviii.  
THe seventh chapter speaketh how Charlemagne for a voyage that he made to saint james in Galyce he knew in his coming again how reynald and his brethren that were his mortal enemies were in Gascoigne with in a strong castle called Mountawban. And how he sent word to king yond that he should deliver to him Reynawd and his brethren. And if he refused to do this: he sholude come and besiege him in his loud afore ten or xii. months were passed, whereof king yond answered that he should not do it. And how after that king Charlemagne was returned to Paris, rowland his nephews arrived at Paris, which the king made knight. And after sent him for to raise a siege afore Coloyne that a saracen had besieged, that was called Estorfawde the which was overcome by Rowland And how reynald won the crown of Charlemagne for his well renewing upon his bay horse at Paris. fol. xliii.  
THe viii chapter speaketh how Charlemagne went into Gascoigne with his host & besieged Reynawd and his brethren within Mountawhan, and how reynald won the first battle of the king, which rowland conducted with Oliver, and the bishop Turpin whereof Charlemagne was so sore wroth: that he wend to have waxed mad for it of the great shame that he had of it. fol. li.  
THe ix chapter showeth how reynald and his brethren were betrayed and sold to king Charlemagne by king you, that sent them in to the plain of valcolors all unarmed, but only of their swords, riding upon mulectes clothed with mantles of scarlace furred with ermines. From the which wall they escaped worthily, by the will of our lord. But they were sore wounded. Of Charlemaine's parrye abode there dead Foulques of Morillon, and many other barons for whom the king was right sorry. folio. lvi.  
THe ten chapter speaketh, how after that Goodard the secretary of king you had bewrayed all the treason to Mawgys that the king yond had done to his cousins which he knew well. For he had seen king charlemaine's letters. And had written answer thereupon from king yond, Mawgis brought to reynald and his, such a succours that by his wit they were kept from death. fol, lxxii.  
THe xi chapter speaketh how by the succours that Mawgis brought to reynawd and to his brethren into the plain of valcolors, they discomfited king charlemaine's folk, whereof Ogier had many reproaches of rowland for some goodness and favour that he had showed to reynald and his brethren at roche mountbron, and was therefore called traitor, whereof a great inconvenience came thereof afterward a fore king Charlemagne. foli. lxxxi.  
THe xii chapter showeth how that after reynald and his brethren were whole of their wounds that they had had in the plains of valcolors: they returned to Mountawban. But when king yond knew of their coming again: he fled away, and made himself to be shorn a monk in a monastery that was within the wood of the serpent, where rowland and Ogyer the Dane found him and would have made him be hanged, for the treason that he had done to reynald and to his brethren, if reynald had not succoured him. fol. lxxviii.  
THe xiii. chapter showeth, how ●h●● after Reynawd had succou●e●●yng yond, was the same hour a m●rueyl●ou●e battle between reynald and the frenchmen. For rowland was there sore beaten and many other, whereof Ogyer was glad by cause that Rowland had called him traitor. And also he knew that the four sons of Aymon, were not for to be so lightly overcomen, as men had said afore. And for this cause there had been a sore meddle between Rowland and Ogyer, if it had not be the other barons that departed them, and in this recounter richard the brother of reynald abode for prisoner of rowland. fol. lxxxviii.  
THe xiiii. chapter showeth how after that reynald, Alarde, and guichard were gone toward Mountawban after the battle, and that they had made full great sorrow for Richard their brother which was in king Charlemaine's hands, The said Richard was delivered by mawgys great wisdom. fol. xc.  
THe xu chapter speaketh how after that reynald and his brethren and Mawgys had discomfited charlemain: they came and overthrew down his pavilion, and bare away with them the Eagle of gold, that was there upon the pavilion whereof king Charlemagne was sore an angered, in so much that he would yield up his crown unto his barons, saying that he would be no more king, for they had failed him and abandoned for the four sons of Aymon, and said to them that they should crown Reinawd that he might be their king, for they loved him much more than they did him. Than Oliver said to king Charlemagne, that he should take again the crown, and that he should bring to him Mawgys that he had taken, when he was about to pill the pavilion, for he abode alone when king Charlemagne heard the same: he took again his crown, and was right glad of the prize of mawgys. fol. cii.  
THe xvi chapter speaketh how the king Charlemagne would do hang Mawgys incontinent that Oliver had take him to him. But by the mean of the Douseperes of France that at the requests of Mawgys pledgyd him, for one night only: He made so much that he escaped to the honour and acquytaunce of his sureties and of him, and bare away with him to Mountawban the crown and the sword of king Charlemagne the same night. Whereof king Charlemagne was full sorry. And therefore he send word to reynald that he should send to him again his crown and his sword, and all that Mawgys had borne away with him, and he should grant him his truce for two years. To the which thing Reynawd accorded him, whereof happened to him after that many great evils. fol. cv.  
THe xvii chapter showeth, how reynald fought with Rowland. Which he overcame, by the will of god. And brought him to mountawban, whereof king Charlemagne was greatly wroth. And also showeth how mawgis brought king Charlemagne in to the castle of Mountawban upon bayard all a sleep. And after took him to Reinawd within his bed. And after went and arrayed himself in manner of an hermit poorly clothed. And left all his kinsmen and friends, because that he would not let the peace of reynald toward the king Charlemagne. For the war had lasted to long. fol. cxiii.  
THe xviii chapter showeth how after that Mawgys had taken Charlemagne in to the hands of Reinaud his good cousin: he went with out leave in to a wood nigh the river of Dordon, in to a hermitage where he did dwell as an hermit, living poorly for to save his soul. fol. cxvi.  
THe xix chapter showeth how the barons of France that were at Mountawban made great sorrow by cause that they might not awake the king Charlemagne that Mawgys by his craft had made to sleep, and brought unto Mountawban. But when the hour of the enchantment of Mawgys was passed: king charlemain awaked. And when he saw himself in Mountawban: he swore that he should never make peace with reynald as long as that he were prisoner. And so reynald did send him again upon his horse bayard free and quite, whereof he repented him sore afterward. For soon after this, king charlemain made Mountawban to be besieged of so nigh: that he famished Reynawd and his brethren, his wife and his children, and all the people, so that they died for hunger and thirst, the most part. fol. cxvii.  
THe twenty chapter speaketh how after that Charlemagne had besieged Mountawban of so nigh that he did famish all them that were within, knew how Reynawd was gone, and had abandoned Mountawban, and was gone his way he and his brethren, his wife and his children by under the earth, and were gone to arden, where king Charlemagne went and besieged them again. But afore that he did set his siege: reynald and his brethren issued out against him, whereby many one lost their life of the one party and of the other. And the duke Richard of Normandye was taken there, which was one of the Douseperes of France, and a right noble and a worthy knight, prew and hardy, wherefore king Charlemagne was right sorry. fol. cxxix.  
THe xxi chapter showeth, how Mawgys being in his hermitage, came in his mind a vision that he had by night in his sleep, for to go see reynald and his brethren. Than in the morning he took his way, and found two merchants the which had be rob by seven thieves in a wood. Of the which seven thieves: Mawgys slew five of them with his palster, and took again to the merchants their merchandises, and all their havoir. And than he went forth his way toward Mountawban for to see his cousins and his brethren. fol. cxxxiiii.  
THe xxii Chapter showeth, how reynald would have done hang Richard the duke of Normandye by cause he might not have peace with the king Charlemagne. And how when the Douse peers of France knew this: they came to king Charlemagne and prayed him to make peace with reynald, for to have again their fellow the duke richard of Normandye, to the which thing king Charlemagne answered that he would not do it, whereof they were so sore an angered that they left him, but king Charlemagne did send after them and sent them word that they should return again to him, and that he should make peace with reynald under this condition that Reinawd should go beyond the sea, begging his bread. fol. cxxxvii.  
THe xxiii chapter showeth, how after that reynald was departed from arden for to make his viage beyond the sea, poorly clothed as a pilgrim seeking his bread for god's sake: richard of Normandye took baiard and brought with him Alard, Guychard, and richard brethren to Reynawd and presented them to Charlemayne● the which he received right honourably by good love, and after broke his siege and departed for to go to Paris. But when he was in the city of Lyege upon the bridge over the river of Mewse: he made Bayard to be cast into the water with a mill stone at the neck of him, but bayard the horse escaped and is yet a live in the forest of arden, as men say. Fol. Cxiiiii.  
THe xxiiii chapter showeth how that after reynald was departed from arden from his brethren, from his wise and fro his children for to go beyond the sea, for to accomplish his voyage 〈◊〉 to the holy grave: he found in constantinople his cousin Mawgis and went both together unto afore Iherusalem, that a king saracen which was admiral of Percy had taken by treason, but reynald and Mawgis did so much with the folk of the land, that the cyrye was take again of the christian. fol. cxivi.  
THe xxv chapter showeth, how that after reynald was come again from the holy land where he had done marvels: he sent Aimonet and Yo●net his two sons to king Charlemagne much honourably for to be made knights of his hand. For he taught them well in arms in all good manners, and took to them five hundred good men well horsed for to conduit them towards the king at Paris. fol. Civii.  
THe xxvi Chhapytre showeth how after that king Charlemagne had much sweetly received the chylden of reynald and made them knights: they fought with the sons of Foulques of Moryllon, and discomfited them in the field at Paris, which is called the isle of our lady. Because that they had charged their father of treason, because he had slain their father Foulques of moryllon in the plains of Valcolours. Fol. Clviii.  
THe xxvii chapter containeth how that after reynald was gone fro Mountawban in manner of a pilgrim never to have returned again after that he had dealt his goods to his children, his brethren and his son Aymoner made great sorrow, when they wist that he was gone without their knowledge all barefoot with a palster in his hand. Folio. Clxviii.  
THe xxviii chapter showeth how after that reynald was departed fro Mountawban for to save his soul: he went to Colcin● upon the Rind, and found that men builded the church of saint Peter.  
And there came to him a will and a devotion for to serve the masons that wrought there, for the love that he had to our lord. But at the last the other labourers had so great envy at him of that he was more loved than they were of all the masters for the good service that he did that they slew him, and after they put him in a sack & cast him into the water of the rive, but by the will of our lord his corpse appeared above the water making so many fair miracles healing of all sicknesses, so that he was named a saint the day of his burying. Fol. Clxix  
¶ Here finyssheth the table and consequently followeth the book here after.   

How duke Aimon of Ardein brought to the court his four sons, that is to wit reynald, Alarde, Guichard, and Richard, and how king Charlemagne made them knights with his own hands, also how the duke Benes of Aigremounte slew Lohier the eldest son of king Charlemagne. the duke Benes was uncle to the four sons of Aimon, and after how the duke Benes of aygremount was slain coming to Paris by the commandment of king charlemain after that he had appointed for the death of his son. And also in this first chapter men shall now see many other fair matters, which were to long for to be rehearsed in the preamble of this present. book.  
truly we find in the gests & faites of the good king Charlemagne that upon a time at a feast of Penthecoste the said king Charlemagne kept a right great and solemn court at Paris, after that he was come again fro the parties of Lombardy where he had had a right great and marvelous battle against the Sarasyns, and such folk as were out of the believe, whereof the chief of the said Saracens was named Guithelym the sesne. The which the said king Charlemagne by his prowess and valiantness had discomfited & overcomen. At the which battle and discomfiture died great noblenesses of kings, princes, Dukes, Earls, barons, knights and squires. As Solomon of bretayne. Huon earl of Mauns, sir yves, sir yvoyre berenger, and Haton, sir Arnaulde of Beaulande, sir walleraunte of Bollon and many valiant knights. The House peers of France were come there and many Almains and englishmen. Normans Poetevyns. lombards and Barnyers. And among other Dukes & princes was come thither. The good and worthy duke Aims of arden. And in his fellowship his four fair sons, that is to wit Re●nawde, Alarde, Guycharde, and richard, that were wonderful fair, witty, great, mighty, and valyaunte, specially Reynawde which was the greatest and the tallest man that was found at that time in all the world. For he had xvi. feet of length and more. Than at this assemble and feast: stood the said king Charlemagne on his feet among his princes and barons, saying in this wise, barons my brethren and friends, ye know how I have conquested and gotten so many great lands by your help and succours. So many of the Saracens and misbelievers brought to death, & in my subjection, how but late ago ye have seen by the paynni Guerelym which I have discomfited & overcomen, and reduced to the christian faith. notwithstanding we have lost there right great chivalry and nobleness. And for fault of many of our vassaylles and subjects that to us deigneth not to come, how be it that we had sent for them, as the Duke richard of Roussellon, the duke Dron of Nantuell, and the duke Benes of Aygremounte, that been all three brethren Germayne. Whereof unto you I complain me, and tell you that if it were not sir Solomon that worthily came to succour us with xxx thousand fygheing men, and sir Lambreyght bernyer and sir Geffraye of Bourdelle with walleraunce of Bullon that bore our banner: we were all discomfited and lost as ye all know well, and this by the default of the said three bretherene that deigned never to come to our sending, nor obey, and above all the duke Benes of Aygremounte. All be it that they be all our liege men that ever owen to me service and fidelity. Now I shall send him word that he come to serve me at this next summer with all his power. And in case that he shall be refusing to obey our commandments: by saint denys of france I shall send for all my friends and subjects and I shall go besiege him at Aygremounte. And if we can have him: I shall make him to be shamefully hanged and his son Mawgis to be slain all quick, and shall do burn his uncourteous wife. And I shall sert all his lands in fire. Than the good Duke names of Bavyere rose up diligently and said to king Charlemagne in this wise. Sir me seemeth that ye ought not to anger yourself so sore. And if ye will believe my counsel: ye shall send a messenger to the duke of Aygremount which messenger shall be well and honourably accompanied. And he must be sage and prudent, for to show well to the Duke of Aygremounte all that ye shall charge him. And after when ye shall know his answer and his will: ye shall then advise you what ye ought for to do. In good faith said the king, ye counsel me right well and wisely. Than thought Charlemagne what message he might send to him. And than he said all high afore them all, complaining himself who shall be he that shall do this message. And for doubt of death shall not leave nothing unsaid of his message to the duke Benes, but there was none of them all that ought answered. For many of them were of sib to him. As the duke Aymon of arden that was his brother Germayne.  
Thus were the four brethren of one father and of one mother. Than was king Charlemagne right wroth and angry. And swore by saint denys that the Duke Benes should be wasted and destroyed. And no man should be in the world that should keep him therefro. Than he called high his eldest son Lohier saying in this manner, ye must do this message my dear son, and lead with you for your conduit and surety an hundred knights armed and honourably arrayed, And ye shall say to the Duke Benes of Aygremounte that if he come not for to serve us this summer about saint Johan's day next coming as I have said afore: that I shall besiege Aygremounte & shall destroy all his land and he and his I shall do hang or slay all quick, and his wife to be brent. Sir said Lohier all at your pleasure. I shall do. And wit that it shall not be tarried, for fear of death, but that I shall tell him all a long all that ye have charged me of. And I shall departed to morrow in the morning by the grace of God.  
Than should you have seen the king weep of pity for his son Lohier For he repented him that he had charged him for to do this message, but sin that he had so said: he must do it. And the morn was come Lohier & his noble company made them ready and after leapt on horseback, and came afore the king. Than said Lohier to the king his father. Sir here I am ready and all my folk for to fulfil your will. Fair son said Charlemagne I recommend thee unto god that on the cross suffered death and passion, and him I beseech to keep and warrant thee & all thy fellowship from evil & from any cumbrance, than departed Lohier and his company, whereof after ward the king made great lamentation for his son Lohier, and not with out a cause. For he shall never see him quick again as ye shall understand if ye will kerken it. Now go the gentle messengers straight to ward Aygremount, sore threatening the duke Benes of Aygremount, saying that they should take the head from the body of him if he do aught to them against his devoir. But it shall go all other wise with them. For it haped all contrary to their minds and purpose whereof afterward many ladies abode widows without husbands, & many gentle women with out a lover. And so many churches destroyed, and so many lands brent and wasted; whereof it is yet pity for to see. And thus riding & threating Benes of Aygremount, a spy heard all that they said, and came hastily to Aygremo sit to ward Benes that was in his palace and told him how messengers were coming unto him from king Charlemagne that sore threatened him, and that the son of king Charlemagne was there in person. Than said the Duke to his folk whereof he had at that hour fo● son with him in his palace because of the feast of Penthecoste. Lords said he, the king Charlemagne setteth little by me, that will that I shall go serve him with all my power and my puissance, and that worse is, he sendeth to me his eldest son for to tell me some message the threateneth me greatly, what counsel ye me thereto my brethren & friends. Than sp●ke a good knight that was called sir Simon, & said. My lord I shall counsel you truly if ye will hearken and believe me. receive honourably the messengers of the king Charlemagne. For well ye wot that he is your right wise lord, and wit that who that warreth against his sovereign Lord: he doth against god & reason and have no regard to your kin nor to this that your brethren Gyrarde of Roussyllon and the duke of Nantuell would not obey him. For I advise you well that charlemain is mighty, and he shall destroy you of body and of goods, but if that ye obey him. And if ye amiably go to him, he shall have mercy of you. Than answered the duke that thus he would not do, and that the said knight gave him evil counsel. For yet said he I am not so low brought but that I have three brythrens that shall help to sustain and bear out my war against Charlemagne, & also my four nephews the sons of my brother Aims of Dordon that been full fair knights, worthy and well taught in feats of war. Alas said than the duchess. My good lord believe your good counsel. For no men shall praise you that ye make war against your right wise lord, and wit it well that it is against the commandments of God, & against all equity. Wherefore if ye have misdone any thing against him, do so much that ye be accorded with him. And take none heed to your brethren, as sir Simon doth counsel you. For never good may come thereof for to be evil in favour with his sovereign Lord. Than beheld the duke the duchess in great wrath and had her that she should hold her peace in the devils name, & that she should never more speak to him of this matter. For in certain he should not do for the king Charlemagne the mountenance of a penny. So held her peace the duchess & said that she should speak no more to him thereof.  
GReat was the noise and the bruit within the palace of Aygremount, for some counseled the duke, that thus as the duchess said: he should do, and many other said nay. Than said the duke unto them that counseled him nay and that he should not accord nor make peace with the king Charlemagne, that he could them thank, much long they spoke of this matter. And the messengers of the King Charlemagne during the same have ridden so much that they been come to Aygremount. And the castle was see upon a roche right high and well environed with strong walls thick high and well garnished with great towers, so that for the strength and situation of the castle, it was imprenable, but only by famishing.  
Than said Lohier to the lords that were with him. lords now see what a fortress is there, what walls what a river tenneth at the foot of it? I believe verily that in all christendom is not her like. It can never betake by force, but if it is by famishing. Than spoke a knight that was called Savary and said to Lohier his lord, sir said he it seemeth me (speaking under correction) that my lord the king Charlemagne your father hath enterprised a great folly, when he troweth to come to at an end of this duke of Aygremount for in good sooth he is right puissant And I believe that he shall make as many men for to make the war, as shall my lord your father if it came there to that he would make him war. It were a fair thing if they might be accorded together, and of my part I should counsel the same if it might be done.  
But well I wots that if your father had him, all the gold in Paris should not keep him, but that he should do hang him or else slay him quick. So beseech I you right dear sir that ye speak humbly unto the duke Benes of Aygremount. For in certain he is right fierce and outrageous & incontinent might have there a sore meddle between you and him, where of the loss should turn upon us. For we been to lieu folk. Than answered Lohier and said to him that he said well and wisely, but always said he we doubt him not of any thing. We be here all ready an hundred knights well appointed, and for sooth if he say unto us any thing unto our displeasure: he shallbe the first that shall repent and be sorry for it. Than said the knight Savare all softly to himself, that this were not wisely done. For well I swear said he upon my faith that if it hap you to say any thing to him that by any manner shall displease him: he shall make you sorry and shall wreak it upon you body. And happily we shall all be in a way for to die. Sir advise yourself well & will to proceed prudently in your message.  
For well I say unto you that he is right cruel, and of great worthiness accomplished.  
THus speaking of one thing and of other road so long the messengers, that they been come to the gate of the castle which was soon shut by the porter, than knocked the said knights, and the porter answered to them. Lords what be you?  
Friend answered Lohier open to us this gate presently. For we will speak to the Duke Benes of Aigremount from the king charlemain Now abide you a little and hast you not said the porter. And I will go speak readily to my lord the Duke. So went the said porter into the hall where he saw the Duke his lord. He kneeled incontinent afore him & told him how down at the gate was a right great company of men of arms. And that they were well an hundred men or more right well horsed & well armed, and with them is the eldest son of king charlemayne that strongly threateneth you, and also your folk. My lord said the porter shall I open the gates unto them, yea said the duke For I doubt them nothing, and we been enough for them. And many worthy knights and esquires been no where able for to defend us all, were Charlemagne himself with them with his puissance. So ran incontinent the porter down again for to open unto them the gate. Lohier & his fellows entered within and mounted up unto the dungeon of the castle where the duke was that said to his barons. lords here cometh the eldest son of the king Charlemagne for to tell me his message. But (di that god that suffered death and passion) If he speak wisely to us he shall do as sage. And if he saith any thing that shall displease us, we shall soon & without delay take vengeance thereof. So was the duke Benes well accompanied & nobly of well two hundred knights & more. This was in the month of May that all creatures human ought well for to rejoice them and that folk prew and worthy in arms taken heart and hardiness for to defend themself well, and war against their enemies. And this during: Lohier the son of King charlemagne entered into the hall of the palace of Aygremount right nobly armed and his folk also, and saw the hall right well garnished of fair folk richly arrayed. And the duke sitting right proudly among his barons, and the duchess his wife next by him, and before him his son Mawgys that was a great master of the science of Necromancy that played afore his father of his art of necromancy, wherein the Lords that were there took great pleasure. And wit it well that in all the world was not a worthier christian, nor more able, than was the said Mawgys. Except only his cousin reynald one of the Sons of Aymon, whereof specially treateth now this History. Than marched forth Lohier and went in the first of all, and after him his folk by good conduit. And salved the duke B●nes of Agremount in this wise, whereby much great evil happened unto him at last. That God that created the firmament and made all thing of nought for the people to sustain. And on the cross suffered death and passion for all souls to be redeemed out of the pains of hell: keep and save the king Charlemagne Emperor of Aimayne and king of France and all his noble line and confound thee Duke Benes of Aygremounte. My father the king by me expressly sendeth to thee word thou come incontinent to Paris with five hundred knights for to do to him right and reason of this that thou were not with him in arms in the parties of Lombary for to fight against the enemies of the christian faith. Where by thy fault were dead there Bawdoyne lord of Melanke. Gesfroi of Bourdel, and many other great Duke's Princes knights and barons. And if thou wilt not do it: I tell thee (duke Benes) that the king shall come upon thee with an hundred thousand men of arms. So shalt thou be take and brought into France. And there thou shalt be judged as a thief and a false traitor unto thy sovereign Lord, for to be slain and hanged all quick, thy wife brent and thy children destroyed and banished.  
Do therefore this that I command thee in the kings behalf, for thou knowest well that thou art his man vassal and subject.  
When the Duke Benes of aygremount had heard Lohyer thus speak: Than if ye had seen him changed his colour pouffe & blow, as a man cruel, proud and outrageous, and said to Lohier in this manner. I shall not go to king Charlemagne nor nothing of his will I shall not fulfil. For I hold neither Castle ne Fortress of him, but I shall go upon him with all my puissance, and shall destroy all the land of France unto Paris. Than said Lohier unto Duke Benes of Aygremount. Vassal said he how darest thou answer thus?  
And it the king knew now that thou thretenest him thus as thou dost: he should come incontinent upon thee, and should utterly destroy thee, well thou knowest that thou art his liege man, and that thou can not say against it, come than readily and serve thy sovereign lord king Charlemyan, and believe me if thou will save thine own life. For if thou do it not: I make thee sure and certain that if he can have thee by force that he shall make thee to be hanged there as the air and the winds with their great blasts shall dry up the bones of thee. When the duke heard Lohier speak to him in this manner he stood up anon upon his feet, and said, that to his evil cheer he came there for to make to him his message. Than came forth a knight named sir water that was a man of the Duke of Aygremount and said to the Duke My lord keep for gods love that ye do no folly. Let Lohier say all his will, for ye be never the worse for his saying, and as ye well know king Charlemagne is right puissant and so moche that there is neither castle, City, nor town never so strong that can hold against him, Go than to him by my counsel, for ye be his man his vassal & his subject, and of him you hold your castle of Aygremount and all your lands, and if ye so do: ye shall do as sage, and it shall be your profit, & also of all your land, and for to war against your right wise Lord, nothing but evil can come to you thereof. When the Duke had heard the wise knight to speak: he could to him right good thank therefore, but always all angry he said to him, hold your peace. For I shall hold nothing of him as longe that I shall may bear arms, and mount a horse back. I shall send for my dear brethren Gerrade of Roussyllon, and Dron of Natuell, and Garnyer his son, and than we shall gone upon king Charlemagne, and if I can meet with him in any place: we shall destroy him, & shall do of him that he troweth to do of me. Ween he that I am a coward? nay by my faith, for I should not take all the gold in Paris but that I should slay the messenger. Evil was to him when he durst so threaten me. And than said Lohier, I neither praise you nor doubt you not. When the Duke Benes of Agremount understood Lohyer: he waxed for great wrath as red as any fire in his face, and began to rise up and to call. Now Barons upon him, bring him to me, for he shall never be wraunted but that I shall make him to die shamefully. And the barons durst not say against their lord, but drew all their swords. And incontinent did ren upon Charlemaynes folk. And Lohier called his banner, and than began he and his folk to defend themself sharply. And god knoweth how many heads and arms were there cut of that day. For at the same hour: began a thing, whereof afterward so many ladies and damoiselles were with out husbands & without lovers, so many of children fatherless, and so many churches wasted and destroyed that never sith were repaired. What shall I tell you more? wit it that they fought there so long within the hall of the palace: that the noys went through all the town. Than should ye have seen the bourgeys, Merchants, & men of craft with axe's swords and other wepyns, and came to the castle ward about seven thousand men and more. But the entry of the palace of Aygremount was narrow, and the French men were within that kept them well that they entered not in at their case. Alas what terrible and unhappy a slaughter was there that day. For the folk of king Charlemagne were but a few to the regard of them of the other part. And as ye may know such assemble was right evil. So defended themself much nobly and valiantly the folk of king Charlemagne and so much that Lohier saying that, that he and his folk had the worse: he smote a knight by fore the duke Benes of Aygremount by such a wise that he overthrew him down dead forth said he gods curse have thou, and afterward he said piteously in wailing himself. Lord God that within the holy womb of the blessed virgin mary took thy herbowring and suffered death & passion for to redeem mankind, wilt defend me this day from shameful death and from torment, for I wots well, but it it be that your high divinity succour me this day: I shall not see the king Charlemagne my father no more. Than the Duke called high upon him saying, Lohier so help me God this day shall be your last. It shall not be so said Lohyer. And with this he smote the Duke upon the head, but his helm saved him. And the stroke descended to the heel of him so that the blood ran out. By God said Lohier ye shall not escape. Than came the duke Benes of Aigremount to him as wood and sore an angered, saying I should praise myself full little it I might not avenge me upon thee. So heaved up the Duke his brand of steel and smote Lohyer so hard upon his bright helm that he cleaved him to the teeth. And Lohyer fell dead afore him. upon the pavement of the Halle. Ha God what great damage hath done the Duke Benes of Aygremount to have thus slain Lohier the eldest son of the great king Charlemagne. Forafterwarde all the host of France was in moche great and innumerable torment therefore and in right great pain continual, and the Duke himself died therefore, full sorrily. That was the payment that he had for it, as ye here after shall hear if peaceably ye will hear me.  
NOw is outrageously slain the good Lohyer the eldest son of king Charlemagne And the duke Benes of Aygremount full of cruelness took the head from the body of him. And after that the folk of the said Lohyer the son of the great king Charlemagne saw they. Lord dead: think ye they made no great defence. Always of a hundred that they were entered within the palace with their Lord Lohyer abode there on live but twenty whereof the duke incontinent made ten of them to be slain, and the other ten he retained a live, and to them said, if ye will promise and swear to me upon your oath and faith of knighthood that ye shall bear your Lord Lohyer to his father the King Charlemagne, and say to him that I send to him his son Lohyer in good array, and that in an evil hour he did send him to me for to tell me such words, I shall let you go quite and saute, and to him ye shall say that for him I shall not do the mountenance of a Penny, and that I shall go upon him in this Summer next coming with forty thousand men, and that I shall destroy him and all his land. They answered, Sir we shall do that, that shall please you to command us. Than the Duke did do make readily a byere, and made the corpse of Lohyer to be put within the said bier. And after he delivered it to his ten knights that were left on live and put it in a cart to draw with two horses. And the Duke conveyed them through the Town. And when they were in the fields: the ten knights began to weep and to make great moan for their Lord Lohier saying, alas my lord Lohier what shall we no we say for you to the King your father that so great sorrow shall have, when he shall know your cruel death. We may well be incertain that, that he shall make us all die. Thus weeping and making their moan for the love of their Lord Lohyer, the road on their way straight to Paris.  
¶ But now we shall here leave to speak of the messengers and shall tell you of the King Charlemagne that was at Paris.  
Charlemagne that was at Paris with a great multitude of Lords that were there assembled.  
And there upon a day king Charlemagne said unto his Lords and barons. Lords I am much wroch and sorry of my son Lohyer that I have sent to Aygremounte, and I fear me sore that they have take debate with the duke Benes of Agremounte, which is fell, and cruel, & I doubt me lest, he hath slain my son Lohier. But by my crown if he have so done, or any thing that turneth to displeasure or damage to my said son: I shall go upon him with a hundred thousand men and shall make him to be hanged at a gybet. Sir said the good Duke Aims of Dordonne, I shall comen you right sore, if he hath offended against you that ye make punyssyon thereof and wreak on him great vengeance. He is your liege man, and aught to serve, praise and honour you. Always if he hath trespassed against you in any manner I am right sorry for it, and if ye have a cause to be wroth with him, I have hear my four sons, That is to wit reynald Alarde Guycharde and richard, that been right valiant as ye sir well know which shallbe trusty and true to you. Aymon said the king charlemain I con you great thank of the offer that now ye have done to me.  
And it is my will that ye make them to come hither presently to the end that I make them knights, and I shall give to them Castles, towers and Towns, and Cities enough. Than sent the duke Aims Incontinent for his children, and made them to come afore king Charlemagne. And when the king Charlemagne saw them: they pleased him moche, and reynald was the first that spoke and said. Sir if it please yond for to make us knights, we shallbe ever ready for to serve you and your noble Lordship. Than the king Charlemagne called his steward and said to him. Bring to me the arms that were the king cedars which I have with my hands slain in battle before Pampelune and shall give them to the gentle reynald as to him that is as I ween the most valiant of all, and of other good arms I shall give to the other three brethren. So brought there the steward the arms that were full fair and rich, and than were armed the four gentle brethren children to the good Aims of dordonne, and Ogyer of Denmark that was of their kin did on their spurs to the new knight reynald, & the king Charlemagne gird him his sword, and than doubed him to a Knight saying God increase in thee goodness, honour, and worthiness. And than mounted Reinaud on horseback upon Bayard that was such a horse, that never was his like in all the world nor never shall be except Busifal the horse of the great King Alexander. For as for to have run xxx mile together he would never have sweted.  
The said Bayard this horse was grown in the Isle of Boruscan, and Mawgys the son of the duke Benes of Aygremount had given to his cousin reynald, that after made the King Charlemagne full wroth and sorry, as ye shall now hear here after.  
reynald was a horse back with a Shield painted hanging at his neck, and thwerled his sword by great fierceness. And wit well that he was a fair knight wonderful great and well founded, and of him was a fair sight, for well he seemed one of the most valiant Knights that men could find in all the world. And the Barons that were there said. Ha god what a fair Knight is he? Never was nor shall be seen so fair a man of arms as reynald, god increase to him honour and worthiness, goodness and prise. And after were moche honourably and worthily arrayed and armed the other three brethren of reynald, and sith light all on horseback under Saint Victor nigh Paris. Than made the king Charlemagne to set up in the ground a post against which he made the new knights for to assay themself. They jousted much worthily, but reynald jousted best upon his horse bayard, & right well liked and were a agreeable unto charlemagne the feats of the valiant knight reynald, unto whom the king said, Reynawde from hens forth ye shall come with us in battle and reynald answered him in this manner. Sir god yield it you an hundred thousand times, and I promit you in good faith to obey and serve you truly. Nor never ye shall find myself in no forfeit, but if it come of you.  
THe Emperor Charlemagne after the jousting was done: he returned to his palace in Paris. Than he reasoned with his princes and Barons, and there were the duke names of bavyres Oger the dane and the archbishop Turpin, and said to them in this wise. barons said he I cannot marvel me to moche of Lohier my eldest son that ●a●ieth so long in his message I have great fear that some incontinent be happened unto him. I dreamed this night in my sleep that the thunder bolt fell upon my Son Lohier, and then came the Duke Benes of Aygremount upon him and smote his head of, but by my beard if he have done so: whiles he liveth he shall never accord with me. Nor I shall never have joy at my heart. For it is he that I love best in this world. Sir said the duke names I believe not such things, nor unto such dreams ye shall not give no credence, always said the king if he have done so: I shall never leave him the value of a penny, for I shall send for the Normans, the Bernyge●s, the flemings, the champenoys, the Almains, the Bauiers and for Englishmen, and so shall I go upon him and shall utterly destroy him, and names said ever unto him that he should not fray himself of nothing till that he knew the certainty. And as they spoke thus: there came riding a messenger upon a horse favell sore sick and weary, and also sore wounded unto the death. He came unto Paris afore the palace where King Charlemagne was at the windows. And when he saw come the Messenger: he came down lightly from the palace hall unto the gate and with him names of Bauyer and Ogyer the Dane. And when the Messenger saw the king: he salved him fall soft as he that was right sorry and sore wounded, and that with pain might speak, and said in this manner wise. Great folly ye did, when ye did send my Lord your son for to ask tribute and obeisance of the Duke Benes of Aygremounte, the which tribute your son asked him shamefully, but the duke which is sore fell and cruel when he heard speak my said lord your son: he commanded to a meinie of knights that were there that he should betake & that he should never return again to you for to recount his message nor what answer he had found to the which taking: the meddle was great and cruel, so that your dear son Lohier was dead there. And the Duke Benes of Aygremount killed him and all your folk except me and ix other that conduit and bring your son in a byere. And I myself am sore hurt as ye may see. And than the messenger could speak no more. But fell down in a swoon of the great grief and sore that he felt because of his wounds. And when the king had heard these words: he fell down upon the ground for the great sorrow that he took thereof and wrang his hands, and pulled his beard. And tore all his heres saying. Ha good lord that made heaven and earth, ye have brought me in great sorrow & torment Irrecoverable that never shall cease with me. So require I unto you the death humbly. For never more desire I not to live. The good duke of Bavyre began to recomfort him, saying. For god's love sir torment not yourself, but have good heart and hope in god and recomfort your folk. And this would say the duke names for them that he saw weep there for their kinsmen and friends that were dead with Lohier. And do (said he to the king) let your son be worshipfully buried at saint Germayne of the meadows. And than ye shall go upon the Duke Benes of Aygremount with all your noble power, and great puissance, and shall destroy him and all his lands at your pleasure.  
Than the king Charlemagne recomforted himself, and well he knew that names counseled him truly and lawfully. Than said the king, Barons make ready, and we shall go against my dear son Lohier. And incontinent all the princes and Barons made themself ready for to do the commandment of the king. And when they were gone two mile out of Paris: they met with the corpse. And were there with the King names Ogyer. Samson of bourgoyne, and many other great Lords. Than said the king Charlemagne when he saw the body of his dear son Lohier: Alas how shamefully am I created? he descended from his horse a foot, & took up the cloth that was upon the bier & beheld his son Lohier. Than saw he the head that was smitten of from the body and the face that was all to Hewn. Ha good Lord said he, how well may I be made now all quick, well I ought for to hate the duke Benes of Aygremounte that thus hath murdered my son, he than kissed his child all bloudiful often and said unto him in this wise. Ha fair son ye were a tall man and a gentle knight. Now pray I the puissant God of glory that he take your soul this if it be his pleasure into his Realm of paradise. Great sorrow made the king Charlemagne for the death of his son Lohier. But always recomforted him the good Duke names And then Ogyer the Dane and Samson of Bourgoyne took him under the arms of him and led him unto saint Germayne of the meadows. And there the body of Lohier was buried and anointed with balm as it appertaineth unto all the sons of kings. Thus was he put into his grave God have of his Soul mercy.  
WE shall been here to speak of the good king Charlemagne that was much sori of his son Lohier as ye have heard, and shall tell you of the good Duke Aymon of reynald, his son, and of his three brethren that were at Paris. My children said Aymon, ye know how the King Charlemagne is much wroth and not without a cause, by cause that my brother your uncle hath slain Lohier his son. And I wot well that he shall go upon him with all his puissance, but verily we shall not go with him. But rather shall we go to Dordon, and if the King make war against him we shall help him with all our power. So lighted anon on horseback the good duke Aymon & the four knights his children, and baited no where till they came to Laon & from thence they road so long till they came to Dordon. And when the Lady saw her Lord and her four children: she was right glad and went against them for to welcome them, and asked after tidings, and if Raynawde & his other children were made knights? Than the good duke answered yea, and after she asked why they were departed fro the kings court? And than he rehearsed unto her word by word, how his brother the duke Benes had slain Lohier the son of the King Charlemagne. Whereof the good Lady Margery was wonderful wroth and sorry. For well she knew that this death of Lohier was the totalle destruction of the Duke Aymon her husband of herself and of her children and of their land. She heard Renawde her eldest Son that threatened Charlemagne the great King, then said to him the Lady his Mother. My Son reynald I pray thee understand me a little. love thy sovereign and thy natural Lord, and dread him above all thing, and bear him honour and reverence. And God shall reward thee for it, and ye my Lord Aymon I am much marveled of you that are departed from Charlemagne without leave of him the hath done to you so much good and so great worship, and hath given to your sons so noble and so rich arms and hath made them knights with his own hands, more great honour he might not do to you nor to your children. Lady said the Duke we be thus departed from King Charlemagne because that my brother hath slain his son as I have told you afore. A God said the Lady that of the virgin was borne in bethlehem, how hath that evil this day surmounted the good? For gods love my Lord said the Lady meddle not withal. For ye shall see this next summer that the king shall go upon your brother, & by my counsel serve the king your rightwise Lord, nor fail him for nothing. For and ye do otherwise: ye shall be untrue and false toward your sovereign and natural Lord.  
Lady said the duke by god omnipotent I would liefer have lost my castle and the half of my land, than that my brother should have slain Lohier. Now the will of god be done therein, and none other wise.  
TO speak of the good Duke Aymon of Dordom and of his wife the duchess and of their sons: we shall here leave, & shall return to speak of king Charlemagne that was come again to paris, making great sorrow for his son Lohier. There had you seen many a gown torn & broken, many a hand wrongen, and many hears of the head pulled so that it was piti and wonder for to see. Alas mi dear son said king Charlemagne, he that hath slain thee so cruelly loved me but little. I shall never be in quiet nor in rest till that I have take vengeance of thy death. Sir said the duke Bavyere have mercy of yourself. For it behoveth not so great a prince as ye be for to make so great sorrow as ye do. And in the mean while came a messenger afore the king, which showed to him how Aymon Duke of Dordon & his four sons were gone into their country, whereof the king was sore an angered and wroth.  
And swore god and saint Denis the afore he should die: that Aymon and his children should abye full sore for it & that the duke Benes of Aygremounte should not keep them therefro The dinner was ready & they washed their hands and were set at dinner but wit it that the king did eat but little, as he that was in great melancholy, & the fair Solomon served that day afore him the cup, & great people was there. After dinner the Emperor Charlemagne did reason with his barons and said to them (lord said he) the duke Benes of Aygremount hath done to me great outrage that so shamefully hath slain my son Lohier. But and it please God I shall go wreak it upon him this next summer and I shall destroy all his land, and if I may take him I shall not leave him for the duke Aymon the shamefully is gone from me, nor for his four sons that I have made knights whereof I me repent sore, but that I shall make them to be hanged. Sir said than the duke names now hear what I shall say to you, your son is dead by great unhap & well in an evil hour was he put to death, for never death was so sore sold ne so dear bought as this shallbe. So send now for your folk through all your lands, and than from hens toward Aygremounte take your way. And if ye may take the Duke Benes, let the death of your son Lohier be to him full dear sold.  
names said the king ye be a good man, sage courteous & valiant, even thus shall I do, for well wisely ye have counseled me. Than gave he leave to many of his barons and gentle men that were in his court at that time & told them that each of them should go into his country for to make themself ready, and that they should come again to him the next summer. So was it done as the king had commanded And thus went the barons and the gentle men from the court into their country, and by them were tidings brought through all the lands unto Rome, that king Charlemagne made a great assemble of men of arms, so that the renome thereof floughe unto the duke Benes of Aygremountes court, which of that other part did send for his kinsmen and friends, and in especial for his brethren Gerarde of Roussylon, and Dron of Nantuel, so that they were when they came together well four score thousand fighting men and more, and as fair folk as ever were seen, which than said I believe if the king besiege the Castle: that the worse shall return unto him. Than said the Duke Benes of Aygremount to Gerarde of Roussilon. Brother said he be not dismayed, for I hope to hurt the king so sore if he come upon us: that he shall be weary of his bargain, but let us go forth toward Troy in champaygne and there we shall fight with the king vigorously. For well I wot that God shall help us against him. This was at the beginning of the month of may, and charlemain was at Paris, that abode after his men that should come, for to go with a great puissance upon the Duke Benes of Aygremount. And bode not long that Richard of Normandy came to the king with xxx thousand fighting men. And of another side came to him the Earl Guy that had with him a right noble & a great company of good men, and after him came Solomon of Bertayne and the Earl Huon. And of all sides ye should have seen come to the King Charlemagne Poetevins gascoins, Normans, flemings, Bernyers, and Bourgoynes, and so many other great Lords that it was great wonder for to see, which came all and Lodged themself in the meadows of saint Germayne.  
THan when the king Charlemagne knew that this folk was all arrived: he had of it great joy, and incontinent made his battles to depart, for to go to his enterprise, and made of Richard of Normandy, of Valleran of Buyllon, of Guydellon of bauyere, of yzacar of Nemours, of Oger the bane. and of Escouf the son of Oedon with them xl thousand men his forward. There should ye have seen a right noble company, and many hardi men, they departed from nigh Paris. And put themself to the way straight to Aygremounte, and they (thus riding after many days journey which I can not tell) came there straight to Ogyer the Dane that was in the forward a messenger sore hastily riding. That asked to whom was this noble company, and he answered to him that they were king charlemaine's folk. Than said sir the messenger that he would well speak with him, than went Oger the Dane and showed him the king. And assoon as the messenger saw him: he made him due reverence, and the king gave him again his salute, and him demanded what he was and fro whence he came? and the messenger told him that he was of Troy and that unto him he was sent fro Aubery the lord of Troy that was his liege man, which besought him humbly for socoures. For the Duke Benes of Aygremount, & his two brethren Gerarde of Roussyllon, and Dron of Nantuel and with them an hundred thousand fight men had besieged him within Troy. And that if ye came not to help him, he must yield up the town, also the fair tower that julius Cesar did build there.  
When Charlemagne the Emperor understood that Troi was besieged by the duke Benes & his brethren, he was full sorry of it and he swore by saint Denys of France, that he should go there with his army, and that if he might hold the duke of Aygremounte he should make him die a shameful death, so called he the Duke names of bauyere, Goodebew of fryse, and the Duke waleran and said to them. Barons ye understand what this messenger saith, let us ride hastily toward Troy or it be take, and they answered to him right gladly that they would do it so. So did they ride a good pace till that they came nigh Troy. And first of all came the forward with the Oryflame. Of the which were governors Ogyer the Dane, richard of Normandy, & the duke waleran, and which them forty thousand men. And the Messenger of Troy that conducted them. And when they were come so nigh that they saw Troy afore them: a messenger came to Gerard of roussyllon that was afore Troy, saying to him that the king Charlemagne came upon them for to succour Aubery with a right great & puissant company. Than laid Gerarde to his brethren, that is to wite Duke Benes of Aygremount, and the earl Dron of Nantuell that it were good that they should go against king Charlemagne with all their puissance and that each of them should prove himself a good man. They did so as they had devised, and Gerarde of Roussillon was the first in the forward, and they road so long till that the one party saw the other. Than said Ogier the Dane to Richard of Normandy when he saw come Gerarde of Roussillon se: said he how Gerard of Roussyllon weeneth for to far foul with us. But now let us think for to defend us well, so moche that the worship abide to the King Charlemagne and to us. And than they let run their horses fro one part and fro the other, and Gerarde of Roussyllon went & smote an Almaigne with his spear so moche, that he made it to entre through the body of him. Which fell anon dead to the ground, and Gerard took his banner & cried with an high voice Roussyllon Roussyllon.  
THan began the battle sore strong fell and cruel. And when Ogyer the dane saw thus his folk die; he was wood and mad with it. So went he and smote a knight named Pouson by such a wise that he put his spear through the body of him which fell down dead afore him. And when Gerarde had seen the same: he went and smote one of Ogyers men, so that all dead he cast him afore him. And then he said ye have this for your masters sake Ogyer. Much great and marvelous was the stour and the battle so fires. For there should ye have seen so many of shields pierced and cloven, and so many a habergeon broken, and salads and helms unbokled and sore beaten, and so many men lying upon the other dead, that all the earth was covered with the blood of the dead men (and of them that were hurt there) so the it was a great pity to for to see. And than came the duke Benes of Aygremounte that spurred his horse terrtblie, and went and smote Enguerran lord of Peroune & of saint Quintine so hard that he overthrew him dead afore him and than said. Now go gods curse have thou, and cried with an high voice Aygremounte, and than came to him his brother the Duke of Nantuell with all his folk, and they went all together upon charlemaine's folk, and of the other part came with great puissance. Almains poetevins and Lombard's also that were of the part of king Charlemagne. So meddled themself the one party among the other. And there was much hard and horrible assemble. For there were slain many mighty and worthy knights of both sides, and Richard of Normandye showed well there his great prowess and worthiness. For he went and smote a knight that Gerarde of Roussillon loved moche by such a strength that he overthrew him dead from his horse to the earth afore the said Gerarde. Which than said.  
Now am I well sorry and wroth for him that now is dead that I loved so sore, certes I shall never have joy at my heart but that I be avenged thereof shortly. Than took Gerarde of Roussillon his banner in his fist. But his brother Nantuell came anon to him and said, brother I counsel you that ye turn again. For here cometh Charlemagne with his folk, and well I tell you that if we abide him: the loss shall turn upon us. And while they were speaking thus: waleran of Bollon smote the nephew of Gerarde of Roussillon so that he foined at him, with his sword through the body of him & fell down dead to the earth. Than trowed Gerarde to have gone out of his wit, and sent anon for the duke Benes his brother that he should come soon to succour him, and he did so as pren and valiant that he was. And of the other side assembled there the king and his folk.  
¶ So shall you now hear of a thing marvelous of so great a nobles the at the same field were cruelly slain. This was in the month of may upon a morning that king Charlemagne did assemble his folk with the folk of the duke of Aygremounte and of his brethren. To the which assemble ye should have seen many fair harnayses shining for the Sun that fair and clear was the day, the which assemble was wonderful strong. For there were so many feet and heads smitten of & so many good horses slain, and the other ran through the meadows whereof the masters lay dead upon the grass. And wit it for truth that there were dead that same day of the one side and of the other: more than xl. thousand men. A God what slaughter, there was much great nobles dead. The duke Benes sore angered went and smote sir Walter Lord of Pierrele in his shield so that his spear went through the body of him and fell down dead afore him. Than cried he with an high voice his banner Aygremounte.  
GReat was the preas, and the battle fierce and marvelous. And there showed Richard of Normandy much worthili his great hardiness. For he jousted against the duke of Aygremount so that he pierced his shield and did hurt him right sore and said to him by God ye shall not this day escape death. It was an evil day for you when ye did slay my Lord Lohier, & with that he did draw out his sword, and smote the duke again upon his helm in such a wise that if it had not been a coif of steel that made his stroke to slide the said Benes had be dead the hour And the stroke fell down upon the horse, & cut the horse in two as though it had be nothing. And thus fell the horse dead under his master. Than was the Duke Benes sore abashed when he thus found himself a ground But he stood upon his feet readily as he that was prew and valyaunte holding his sword in his hand, & went and smote a knight named sir Simon so that he killed him sterke dead in the place. And than he called with an high voice. Aygremount his banner. Than came to him his two brethren, the Duke of Roussillon and of Nantuell, and of the side of king Charlemagne came Ogyer names, Walleran of Bollon, Huon lord of Mauns the Earl Solomon Leon of Frise the archbishop Turpyn and Escoufe the son of Oedom And than should ye have seen there at that assemble much great & marvelous noblesse of knights that lay dead upon the earth, the one upon the other that it was a piteous sight for to behold.  
TO this inhuman occysion was come th'emperor Charlemagne crying barons if they escape us we shall never have honour, and than he bore up his spear to the rest and went and smote into the shield of Gerarde of Roussyllon so that he overthrew both horse and man to the ground, and there had be his last day if it had not been the Duke Benes and Dron his brethren, that much worthily and with great diligence succoured him. Of that other party came Ogyer the Dane upon his good horse Broyforte that smote a knight of the folk of Gerard duke of Roussyllon called Sir Foulquer so that he clove him to the teeth and fell down dead unto the earth. And when Gerarde of Roussyllon saw thus his knight slain he called to god & to our lady saying. Well have I this day lost my fair and good knight. And the duke of Aygremount was sore abashed and prayed God also full piteously that it would please him to keep him from death, and from falling in to the hands of Charlemagne. nigh was the son under and it was well about compline time & the fighters of the one part & of the other were voery & sore chafed, And so withdrew the three brethren aback unto their Tents with moche wrath, and in especial Gerarde of Roussyllon that had lost that day Aymanoy his cousin and a hundred other of the best Knights of his company. And he said in this wise. An evil hour it was when the son of Charlemagne was slain. Than came to him the duke Benes of Aygremount bleeding as he that was horribly wounded. And when Gerarde saw him: he began to sigh tenderly saying. Fair brother are ye wounded to death? Nay said he I shall soon be whole. Than swore Gerarde the duke of Roussyllon that to morrow at the son rising: He should begin again the battle against king Charlemagne and his folk wherefore thirty thousand shall lose their lives. Alas for god nay said his brother the Duke Nantuell. But if ye will do my counsel we shall send thirty. of the wisest knights that we have unto king Charlemagne, and by our said knights we shall do him to wit and show humbli that he have pity and mercy of us, and that the Duke Benes our brother shall amend him the death of his son Lohier even so as it shallbe advised by the princes & barons of his fellowship and of ours, & ye know well all ready that we been his liegemen, & that for to war against him we do cruel falsehood, & yet more it is, that if he had lost all his folk that he hath here with him, or ever that it were a month passed he should have recovered twice as many, so may we nothing do against him. And therefore may we nothing do against him, & therefore I pray you my brethren, that ye will do thus, & to him answered his two brethren that they would do it, sin that he counseled them so, and concluded together that they should send thither as soon as it were day. They made that night good watch unto the morning, and than they made redi their messengers for to send to the king Charlemagne, And when they were ready: Gerarde of Roussyllon said to them. Lords say well to king Charlemagne that we be sore disposed of the death of his son Lohier. and that our brother the duke Benes repenteth himself of it full sore, & that if it please him to have mercy of us that we shall go & serve him where it shall please him to send us with ten thousand fighting men. And also ye shall say to names of Bavyere that we pray him that he will enploy himself toward the king Charlemagne that this accord may be had.  
AFter that the messengers had well all along understand what they should say to the King Charlemagne from the three brethren dukes: They lighted on horseback each of them, bearing branches of olive tree in their hands, in token of peace. And ceased not to ride till that they were come afore the tent of the king charlemayne. Than spoke one of them which was named steven, that salved the king in this manner. Sir I pray our lord that of his grace give you good life & long. And wit sir that the duke Gerarde of Roussyllon and the Duke Benes of Aygremount and Dron of Nantuell been come hither the which cry you mercy, and beseech you right humbly that it please you to pardon them the death of your son Lohier. Of the which they are wroth & sorry. And the duke of Aygremount let you wite by us, that if it be your pleasure to do so: that he and his brethren shallbe your liegemen, & shall come to serve you with ten thou sand fighting men in all that shallbe your pleasure to enploy them, sir for god's sake have remembrance that god forgave his death to longs the cruelly sticked him to the heart. wherefore sir please it you to pardon them, & take them to your good grace. And of this right humbly they beseech you.  
When the king Charlemagne had thus heard speak the messengers of the three brethren: He from peled his forehead, & knitted his brows, and looked full angrily, and at that hour he answered to them nothing, and than soon after he begun to speak in this manner. By my faith sir Steven said he well had the duke Benes lost his wits when he so shamefully slew my dear son Lohier, which I loved so tenderly. Now is he my man will he or not. Sir said Steven I am certain that he shall do to you all reason to the direction of your good counsel.  
Than said the king of this we shall counsel us, and withdrew him a little a side, and called to him duke names. Ogyer the Dane, sir Solomon. Huon of Mauns. waleran of Bollon. Odet of Langres, and Leon of Fryse, & said to them. lords here been the messengers of the duke Benes and of his brethren that send me word that they will come for to serve me where my will shallbe with ten thousand good fighting men if we will pardon them the death of my son Lohyer. And they shall be our vassal and true liege men, & of us they shall hold their lands and their lordships. Sir answered the duke Naimes in this is nothing but well. So counsel I you that ye pardon them. For they be much valiant, and of great renome.  
Wherefore pardon them if it please you.  
THan by the Counsel of the Duke Naymys of Bavyere the king did pardon the three brethren & called to him the iii knights, and said to them, how he pardoned the three dukes the death of his son Lohier, by such a condition that the duke Benes of Aygremount should come for to serve him at the feast of Saint john next coming with ten thousand fighting men well arrayed, and ye shall tell to them that they surely come now to me for to take of them their oath and faith that they shall fro hens forth, obey and serve truly. And that of me they shall hold all their lands. Then departed the knights from afore the king Charlemagne and came again unto the Dukes and showed unto them how they had sped of their message with the king charlemain whereof the three brethren thanked much humbly our lord God. Then said the duke richard of Roussyllon it is reason that we take of our good gowns and go to the king Charlemagne naked and cry him mercy of this that we have thus offended against his high puissance & lord ship, and the other two brethren answered that well they ought to do so. So took the noble knights their clothes of, and all naked bare foot and in poor estate departed from their lodges, and well four thousand knights with them all bare foot and in their shirts, and in such estate as were their masters. In this wise they came tofore the king Charlemagne. And wit well that in right great humility were set the three brethren for to have peace and accord with the king Charlemagne that was wroth to them specially to the Duke of Aygremount as more plainly ye shall hear here after.  
When the king charlemain saw thus come the three brethren with their barons & knights: he called to him the duke names & many other barons, and said to them, can ye not tell me what folk ye see yonder coming? Sir said the dukes names it is the Duke Benes of Aygremount with his folk, that come for to require you of mercy. (This hanging) the Duke Benes of Aygremount came afore the king and cast himself upon his knee, & said unto him in this wise. Sir for god I cry God mercy we been here comen by your commandment, if I have slain your dear Son by my folly: I now as your man yield me & my brethren also Gerarde of Roussyllon and Dron of Nantuell and will be your liegemen and serve you with all our puissance where your pleasure shallbe to set unto, and never days of our lives we shall fail you but if it belong in you.  
Than when the king saw them thus come humbly toward his presence in their shirts & barefoot and had heard this that the Duke of Aygremount had said to him: he had of them right great pity, & pardoned them the death of his Son Lohier and all his evil will. Than should ye have seen from one part & from the other kiss and coll each other their kinsmen, and some wept for joy and the other for pity.  
When were peased the barons with the king Charlemagne by the counsel of the good duke Raymos: than swore & promised the three brethren good fidelity to the king Charlemagne, and that they should serve him at all times that he should call for them. So took they a glad leave from the king, but the king charged the Duke of Aygremount that she should come to serve him at the feast of saint john next coming. And than returned king Charlemagne toward Paris, & the brethren went again right glad each of them toward his place, for well they trowed for to have accord the Duke Benes of Aygremount their brother toward Charlemagne, but otherwise it went & full little was worth their accord for soon after died thereof the Duke Benes of Aygremount by treason and under the safe conduit of the king Charlemagne, as ye shall understand if ye will hear me. ¶ Ye shall wit that a little afore the feast of saint john baptist that the king Charlemagne held a great court in Paris and the Duke Benes forgot not to go thither as he had promised, so departed he fro Aygremounte with two hundred knights and took his way to Paris toward the king for to serve him where he would put him unto. Now shall ye hear how the king being in paris, came toward him the earl Guenes his nephew. A●ry foulquet of Moryllon Hardres & Berenger, which told him how the duke Benes came for to serve him with two hundred knights, saying by this manner. Sir how may ye love or well be served of him that so cruelly hath slain your son our cousin, if your pleasure were we should well avenge you of him. For in good sooth we should slay him. Guenꝭ said the king it were treason, for we have given to him truce, always do with it your will, so that the sin turn not upon me, & keep you. for in certain the duke of Aygremount is right mighty & of great kindred, & well ye might hap to have a do if ye fulfil in this your own intent. Sir answered Guenes care ye not therefore, for therein is so rich a man in all the world the durst undertake any thing against me & my lineage. Sir said Guenelon to morrow early we shall depart with four thousand fighting men, & take no care for it. For we shall deliver this world of him. Certes said the king it were treason. care not therefore said Guenes he slew well your son Lohyer by treason which was my kinsman and therefore I will be avenged and I can. Now do you there in said the king protesting always that I am not thereto consenting.  
When the morning came: departed well early fro Paris the said Guenelon and his fellows and with them well four thousand fighting men, and never they tarried till that they came in the valley of Soyssons, and there they recountered the Duke Benes with his puissance and when the Duke Benes saw them come: he said to his folk. lords I trow that yonder be some folk of the kings that return again from the court. It is no force said one of his knights. I wot not what it may be said the duke. For the king Charlemagne is sore vengeable for to avenge himself, and also he hath with him a lineage of folk the which be fell and cruel. It is Guenes Foulquet of Moryllon and certain other of his court, and in troth to night in my sleep I dreamt that a griffon came out of the Heavens that pierced my shield and all mine arms, so that his nails stack into my liver and my milt, and all my men were thereof in great torment, & they all were eaten with bores and of Lions, and none of them scaped, but one alone. And also me seemed that out of my mouth issued a white Dove. Than said one of his knights that it was all but well, & that for cause of this dream he ought not to dismay himself. I wot not said the duke what god shall send me, but of this my heart dreadeth. So commanded the duke Benes that every man should arm him self, & his knights answered that right gladly they would so do. So began everich of them to seek his arms and habylymenres. Here shall you hear of the hard hewing and of a thing heavy to be recounted of the great slaughter that made the trey tour Guenellon of the good Duke Benes of Aygremount.  
THe Earl Guenes road with great force that was wonderful strong and fierce & well accompanied. Than went and met with the Duke Benes first Foulquet of Moryllon the which said to him that he had done ill for to slay Lohyer the eldest son of king Charlemagne, but or ever the even came: he should have a sorry reward for it. When the duke understood him: he marveled himself much and said Ha god how might one keep him from traitors. Alas I held the king Charlemagne for a true prince & I see now the contrary but afore that I die I shall sell my death full dear. Than went they & fought the one party against the other much angry in so much that Guenes smote by force the duke his cousin Reyner so that he overthrew him down dead to the earth afore his feet and after he cried with an high voice, smite on knights for he slew my good cousin Lohier the duke Benes of Aygremount deigned not accord with me, but now I shall sell it him full dear. So ranguenes & his folk upon the duke of Aygremount, and the Duke right worthily defended himself & smote a knight named sir Falcon so that he showed his sword into the body of him, and he fell dead afore him. And after this the Duke Benes of Aygremount took himself for to weep strongly, & wished much after his two brethren & also after his nephews. Alas said he dear Son Mawgys where be you now that ye be not here for well I wot if ye wist this enterprise ye should well secure me. Ha my dear brother the duke of dordon & of nantuel & Gerard of roussyllon well I know the ye shall never see me a live. Alas that ye know not the false enterprise of charlemain & of the earl Guenellon, that so cruelly & by great treason shall this day make me in humainli for to die, well I wots that right worthily ye should come help me. Ha my dear nephews reynald, Alarde Richard & Guichard so much need I have this day of you. Ha my dear nephew reynald worthy knight, as thou art, if it please unto god of his benign grace, that thou might know the grievous torment and the sorrowful matter unto the which by treason I am this day livered. Well I wots that by thee I should have succours. For in all the world is not thy peer of beauty of goodness of prowess & of worthiness Now may not this day succour me all my noble and worthy lineage, but that cruelly and under the saufconduyte of Charlemagne I shall die piteously.  
HYers was the battle & right hard to endure, but well ye may wit that the duke of Aygremount might not resist against so many folk. For he had not with him but two hundred knights, and the other were more than four thousand thus were they evil matched. Than should ye have seen that day so much brains in the field, so many feet and heads smitten of, that it was a pytious thing to behold. After came yet again Guenes that smote joyusselyne of Bloy so that he casted him dead to the earth, and he made soon to go back the Duke Benes folk of Aygremounte. Than was sore a bashed the duke of Aygremount, the which knew well that without death he might not escape. So went he and smote one of Guenes folk so great a stroke that he overthrew him dead. For none other wise he could do, but defend himself as well as he could for to length his life withal. Ha god what a great damage it was to have thus shamefully betrayed him. For after many churches many towns and Castles were therefore set in a fire, and so many great nobles full piteously brought to death. So much sped the traitor Guenes against the good duke of Aygremount that the folk of the duke were week & almost gone. For of two hundred that he had brought he had no more with him, but forty Barons: said the duke Benes of aygremount ye see that we been almost all dead if we defend us not with great heart and worthiness. And for god's love let every of us be worth three as long as we shall now be alive. For ye see that here piteously we must depart & break fellowship. Than went the duke again & smote a knight named sir Helye, so that he made him to fall dead to the earth. And than cried with an high voice Smite well barons. The valley was fair and sounded of the noise that was made there, & at that hour one named griffon of Hautefell, went & smote the duke's horse into the breast with his spear so that he overthrew him under the horse, and the duke anon arose upon his feet, & took his sword weening to smite the said griffon, but the stroke fell upon the horse so that he cut him a sunder as it had been nothing.  
When the duke of Aygremount saw himself thus on foot he knew well that it was done of him but well he swore that his death he should sell right deer, but suddenly came there upon him the earl Guenes that sat upon a good courser the which smote the duke Benes of Aygremounte with his spear such a stroke, that he showed him through & through his body, & thus fell down dead the duke Benes of Aygremount and than the duke Griffon the father of the said Guenes came to the Duke Benes of Aygremount that lay dead upon the sand & showed his sword in to his fundament. Than said the duke Gryffon, no whast thou thy reward for mi lord Lohiers death that thou let slew shamefully with in thy palace. Now is the good and worthy duke Benes of Aygremount deceased, god of his soul have mercy, & the traitor Genellon & the Lord of Hautefell that lighted upon a good horse went after the duke of Aigremountes folk that fled, which were but ten a live of two hundred and yet these ten were soon overtaken, and than the traitors made them to swear and promyt that the body of the late duke their master they should bear to Aygremount, like the he had do bring the body of Lohier to paris in a bier, and the said knights promised them for to do so. So took they the corpse from the other bodies dead, whereof was there great number, & put him in a byere. And than went on their way with all & when they were gone a little fercher: God knoweth what sorrow and lamentation that they made for the death of their master, saying. Ha god good duke that so worthy was how now we are sorry for thee, certainly full evil hath done king Charlemagne that under this saufconduyte hath made thee to be slain in treason. These sorrowful knights went thus making their moan bearing the body of the Duke Benes their master upon a byere that two horses bare, which corpse never staunched of bleeding by the spare of viii miles, & how many days journey that these knights were with the body of their master by the way: I cannot tell you. But they went so long that they came nigh Agygremount, and approached so moche that the tidings came to the town & to the duchess that her lord had be thus traytoruslye slain. So ought not be asked of the great sororow that the duchess & her son Mawgis made. They issued after out of the town with them of the church & went against the corpse. Nor also ought not to be asked if there were made that day great weepings & lamentations. For when the duchess saw her lord, & the wounds that he had in his body more than three times: she fell down in a swoon upon him. And in this wise they bore the corpse to the chief church & the bishop of the town did the service. And than he was put in his grave & was right reverently buried. Than said his son mawgis. Good lord what a damage is this of such a worthy lord to have be thus slain cruelly by treason, but & if I live long Charlemagne and the traitors that thus have done: shall abye for it full dearly. His lady mother he recomforted and said to her. My dear mother have a little patience. For mine uncles Gerarde of Roussyllon Dron of nantuel, and my cousins reynald Alarde, Guicharde and richard shall help me well for to avenge the death of my lord my father. Now shall we leave hear to speak of them of Aygremount that been in great lamentation & weepings for the death of their lord: and shall return to tell of the traitors Griffon & of Guenes his son that with their folk were gone again to Paris.   

¶ How griffon of Haultefell and Guenellon after that they had slain the Duke Benes of Aygremounte they returned to Paris, & recounted to the king Charlemagne the mortal treason that they had commised and done. Whereof the king Charlemagne was glad, But afterward he was full wroth & sorry for it. For after the Duke of Aygremountes death: his two brethren Gerard of Roussyllon and Dron of Nantuel warred sore against him with their nephew Mawgys, & than they made peace and accorded together, but the king Charlemagne appointed not with the four sons of Aymon, nor to Mawgys their cousin. ¶ Item showeth also the same chapter how reynald slew the nephew of king Charlemagne with a chess board, as they were playing together at the chesses. Whereof the war began. The which was sore and mortal, as ye shall now hear here after and lasted so long that it did great damage to the Realm of France. Campitulum ii Fo. xiii.   depiction of a group of figures, some on horseback, approaching a walled city  depiction of three armoured men 
YE shall mow hear and understand from hensforthon a terrible and a piteous song, if ye thereafter list to hearken. This was at the feast of Penthecoste after the holy thursday, that the king Charlemagne held a great court at Paris, after that he had accorded with the brethren of the said duke Benes of Aygremount. And to the said feast came William the english, waleran of Bullon xu kings, & xxx dukes, and well lx earls were there at that day for to crown Charlemagne. And also was come there the duke Aymon, of Dordon with his four sons, that is to wit Reinawd, Alard, Richard, & Guichard, to the which Aimon: the king said. Aimon said he I love you & your children well. and wit that I voyl make of the fair Reinawd my steward, & the other shall serve me for to bear my faucons & go with me. Sir said the good Aymon I thank you much of the great worship that ye do to me & to my children. And wit that they shall serve you truly as your liege men, but well I tol you good king that ye mysprised sore when my brother the duke Benes of Aygremount under your safeconduct, & in treason ye made thus shamefully die, & believe that it grieveth me full sore at the heart & if we doubted not you so much, certes vengeance we should take thereof. But sith that my brother Gerard hath pardoned it to you: I forgive it you also. Aimon said the king ye know better than that ye say. For ye know well the offence that your brother had done to me for to have slain so cruelly. Loihere my eldest son that I loved so much. Now set the one against the other. & let be spoken no more thereof. No more we shall said duke Aimon, but well I pray god to have mercy of his soul, for he was a right worthy knight. Then came forth Reinaud, Alard, Guychard, and Richard, which reasoned with the king, saying in this manner. Sir said Reinawde the fairest of all knights and most expert in faites of knighthood, ye have made me & my brethren that been now afore you knights, but wit it for very certain that we love you not & that we have toward you a great and a mortal hate for the death of our uncle the duke Benes of Aygremount, of the which death ye have not accorded with us. When the king understood Reinaud: he looked grymly and fyerssly in his visage for great wrath and became black as a coal, and smote his forehead for anger and after said, Reinawd thou young boy void out of my presence. For I swear by saint Simon, and if it were not the company of the barons that be here: I should make thee to be put in such prison that thou shouldest not see neither hand nor foot that thou haste. Sir said Reinawd it were not reason. But sith that it is so far come that ye will not hear us: we shall keep our peace.  
THus left the four sons of Aimon the debate and spoke no more to the king charlemain for that time of this matter. Fair was the court, and the day was full fair and bright, and fair was the company as of xu kings xxx dukes, and lx earls. They went to the church for to hear the fair mass that was song, and much rich was the offering. And when they had heard the mass: they came again to the palace, and asked after water for to wash their hands, and the dinner was ready, so they washed and set them down to dinner. And the xu kings were all set, except the king Solomon that served that day with the Duke Godfraye. But reynald at this dinner might not eat by cause that the king Charlemagne had rebuked him so shamefully. Ha said reynald to himself Alas, how shall I con do so much that I may avenge myself of Charlemagne for the death of my uncle, that so much was beloved, which traitorusly and shamefully hath be slain? & if I take not vengeance of it. I shall wax mad. In this wise sorrowed the good Reinawd, and his brethren recomforted him. The barons came out after dinner for to play & sport themself, and Berthelot the nephew of charlemain called Reynawd for to play with him, whereof grew a great mischief for afterward many a good knight died therefore & many a fair child fatherless as here after ye shall hearken well.  
Now was set Berthelot and the worthy reynald for to play at the ches which were of ivory, whereof the board was of gold massy, and so long they played that debate fell between them two, by such manner that berthelot called Reinawde horsonne, and took up his hand, and smote Reynawde in the visage so that the blood fell to the ground, and when reynald saw himself thus shamefully outeraged: he was right wroth and sore angered & swore by god him should ill betide therefore. Than took Reinawd the chess board and smote Berthelot upon his head so hard that he cloved him to the teeth, and thus Berthelot fell down dead to the ground afore him, so began the cry at that hour sore strong in the palace that reynald the son of Aimon had slain Berthelot the nephew of king charlemain. When the king understood this: he went nigh out of his wit, and called of height. Barons keep well that Reinawd scape not. For by saint Denis of France: he shall not escape quick if we may hold him, for he hath slain our nephew Berthelor. Than ran soon the knights upon Reinaud. And his kinsmen defended him nobly. And thus was there great strife and many heres pulled, and many gowns torn. For such a fray was there never seen as that day was in the palace of Paris. Many strokes gave there Mawgys the cousin of Reinawd, and son to the duke Benes of Aygremount. And while that this fray was in the palace: Reinaud and his three brethren, and their cousin Mawgys escaped readily out of the palace and came unto their horses that soon were made ready. So lighted they on horseback and toad soon out of Paris, and fled straight unto Dordom toward their lady mother.  
ANd when th'emperor Charlemagne wist that Reinawd and his brethren were gone out of Paris: he made for to be ready well two thousand knights for to follow them. Now keep them our lord that on the cross suffered passion. For if the king hold them: they shall die without remission, but Reinaud upon him is no care. For he was upon his horse bayard that goeth as the wind. So tarried not the four brethren & their cousin till that they came unto Sawmore, and they bayred their horses of Alarde, Richard and of guichard. then began reynald to make sorrow saying. Fair god that suffered death and passion, keep this day my brethren and my cousin from the death, and from cumbrance, and from falling in the hands of Charlemagne the cruel, and of the other part chased them the frenchmen broaching with the spurs as fast as their horses might run, so much that a knight that was better horsed then the other were: overtook reynald and said to him, ye shall abide ye untrue knight and I shall bring you to king Charlemagne. And when Reinaud heard him: he turned bayard against him and smote the knight with his spear in his shield, & wrought him with so great a might that ste●ke dead he overthrew him. So seized Reinaud the knights horse and took him to his brother Alarde that lighted anon upon the back of him. And after that he was on this good horse: he went & smote another knight with his sword so that he made him fall dead afore him, and so betook this knights horse to his brother Guicharde that thanked him much for it. And another knight of the king Charlemagne came to them. Glotons' said the knight ye shall come to the king that shall make you all for to be hanged. Ha by my faith said Reynawd thou shalt lie, and with this Reinawd took up his sword & gave him such a stroke that he overthrew him dead at the ground, than took Reinawd the horse by the rain and gave him to his brother richard that great need had of it. Now be the three brethren new horsed & Reinawd is upon bayard and his cousin Mawgis that he loved so well behind him, now they go god will lead them & keep them from evil, & Charlemagne pursued after them, but for nought he travailed, for they were never the rather taken for him. Than was the son gone under, and the night began to come, and the four brethren & their cousin were come into the town of Soisson.  
SO much road Reynawd by night and by day upon bayard that bore him and Mawgis his cousin: that they came to Dordon there they met with the duchess their mother, that ran for to kiss them and coll them. And sin asked what they had done of their father and if they were departed from the court with wrath? Lady said Reinawd, for I have slain Berthelot the nephew of the king charlemain, the reason why I did so: was because he called me whoreson & gave me with his fist upon my visage so that the blood came out of it. And when the lady understood him: she fell down all in a swoon, and Reynawd took her up readily. And when the good lady was come again to herself she said to reynald. Fair son and how durst you do this that ye have done? For I promit you ye shall once repent for it. And your father shall be destroyed therefore and cast out of his lands. And if he scape on live it shall be great marvel. So pray I you all my children that ye flee away, but take afore all my treasure. For if your father come again from the court: he shall will yee●d you to the king charlemain. Lady said Reynawd ween ye that our father is so cruel & so wroth with us that he would take & deliver us in to the hands of the king Charlemagne, that is our great enemy mortal?  
REynawd, his three brethren & Mawgys would make none other sojourning: but took so much of the havoir and treasure of their father and mother: that they had enough of it. And then took their leave of their lady mother, whereof there was great pity at the departing. For the children wept tenderly and the mother also of the other side when she saw that her children that thus went fro her & witted not if she should ever see them again: so departed the new knights with their cousin Mawgis and issued out of the town & entered in to the great forest of arden straight through the valley of Feyry, and road so much that they came upon the river of Muse, and there they chose a fair ground where they made to be builded a fair castle upon a fair roche much strong, & at the foot of it: passed the said river of Muse. And when that the castle was made up: they called it Mountaynford, & as I trow there was not such another of strength fro the said place unto Mountpeller. For it was closed with great walls & environed round about with dyches sore deep, & well garnished with all manner of vittailles & of all things be needful to be had in a fortress, now doubt the new knights nothing charlemain if he wrought not by treason. charlemain was at paris much angry for the death of his nephew Berthelot, the which Reinawd had slain playing at the chess as it is said, so made he to come afore him the duke Aymon of dordonne the father of the four knights, and made him to swear that he should never give no help to his children and that they should never be the better of a penny by him, & in what place that he should them find he should take them and should bring them to him, the which Aymon durst not say against him, but swore that he should do so whereof afterward he was sore reproved. And after that he had sworn thus he departed out of Paris all wroth & angry of this that he must chase thus his children: and came to Dordon. And when the duchess saw him she began to weep full sore: and the duke knew well what she yield Lady said the duke where be my sons gone. Sir said the lady I can not tell whether they are drawn, but why suffered you that our son reynald slew Berthelot the nephew of king Charlemagne, lady said he I could not do thereto, & wit that our son reynald is of so great a strength that never sith the incarnation of our lord was not seen so strong a knight as he is. Nor all the assemble that than was in the palace at Paris might not keep him, but that he slew berthelot afore all the lords that were there. And afore this our said son reynald demanded of king Charlemagne right and reason to be done to him of the death of my brother his uncle the duke Benes of Aygremount, whereupon the king fulshamfullye and outerageouslye answered to our said son, wherefore Reinawd was wroth and sore angered and the cause why reynald slew Berth●lot was for to avenge him of the king Charlemagne. Not withstanding that Berthelot had injuried our said son full sore at the play of the chess. And also he smote him first outrageously that the blood came out of his face, so Reinawd for his great and hardy courage might not suffer this by no wise. And therefore the king hath made me swear that if I can take my children that I shall bring them to him at Paris, and that no help they shall never have of me nor succours, nor that they shall not be the better a penny of all my havour. Whereof I am wroth and full sorry. ❧ We shall leave here to speak of the duke Aymon and of the duchelle that been right sorry for their children And shall show you how the worthy king Charlemagne made to seek after the four sons of Aymon thorough all his realm, but he might not know nor understand no tidings of them, till that at last came to him a messenger that recounted to him how he had found them in the forest of arden. In which they had edified a fair castle & sore strong. And when the king understood these tidings he sent word incontinente to all his folk of arms that they should make ready themselves, the which did so without delay.   

☞ How after that king Charlemagne had made the duke Aymon to forsake his sons: he went and besieged them at mountainford, where he was discomfited two times. But the castle of mountainford was taken by treason: And how reynald and his brethren avenged themself of the traitors that had betrayed them, and how they saved themself after that with in the forest of arden, where their father found them as he went from the siege toward his country, and how for to keep his oath that he had made to king Charlemagne, he did assail to his sons, so that of .v. hundred men that they were, abode alive with his sons but xvii persons but reynald and his brethren had no hurt of their bodies, how be it that they slew many of their father's men. Capitulum iii   depiction of a king with crown and sceptre sitting in a throne, with a group of figures 
Now saith the history that sith the time of the king Alexander: was none such heard as this same, & therefore fair lords please you hear and understand how it befell of the four sons of Aymon that were enemies of the emperor Charlemagne king of france, for the same time king Charlemagne had banished them our of the realm of france & made all his barons both young & old to seek after them, and also made them swear that they should never help ne comfort them by no manner of wise. And the same oath had made with many other the old duke Aimon their father as ye have heard afore, whereof he was full sorry afterward. It happened than that the king Charlemagne, held a great court in Paris. And as this court was assembled where all the barons of france were together: a messenger came there before the king Charlemagne & kneeled afore him and said Sir I bring you tidings of that ye did send me for, wit sir that I came from the great forest of arden, where I have found the four sons of Aimon that dwell there with in a strong castle well set upon a roche, and if ye will find them and be avenged of them: wit that ye may well enough do so as I believe for certain. When Charlemagne understood this messenger: he began to marvel himself sore and called his barons and said to them. Fair lords when it is so that ye be here: it appertaineth not that I should send for you at your places. So I pray you and require as to my liegemen that ye help me to be avenged of the four sons of Aimon that so great damage have done to me as ye know well.  
When the barons understood the prayer that the emperor Charlemagne made to them: they answered withone voice. Sir we shall do your commandment without doubt, give us leave if it please you that we may go to our countries for to make us ready to harness and of horses, the which thing the king granted them. And so departed all the barons fro the court and went in to their countries, the which abode not long that they came again to Paris all arrayed and ready for to war with their army. And when the king Charlemagne saw them: he received them gladly, and in continent without any tarrying he departed out of Paris, & went with all his host to Mountiyon a town of his, and there he lay that night. And at the morrow as soon as the day appeared: the king Charlemagne departed from Mountlyon and went on his wai with his host, & ordained the forward to the earl Guy of mountpeller that would much great harm to Reynawd, & when they had set themself in the way: the emperor Charlemagne called to him his good vasseylles Renyer, Guyon of aubeford, the earl Garner, Gefray, Langon, Ogier the dane, richard of Normandy, & the duke names of Baviere, and said unto them all. Lords ye know well what ye have to do, I pray you that ye keep well yourself from reynald and go not to nigh, but abide all together in such a strong place that we may have no damage, and let good watch be made every night, for my heart giveth me that we shall dwell there long.  
THan said the duke Naimes of bauyere. Sir we shall do so. Than made they the trumpets to be blown, & all the host they made to come together. And thus they road so much that they came to Mileyne otherwise called Asps, & when they were come there they saw the castle of mountainford, that Reinaud & his brethren & their cousin Mawgis had do make, even at that hour that king Charlemagne and his host were come to Asps, the three brethren of Reynawd were coming fro the chase out of the wood of arden and Richard the youngest bore a right rich horn both fair & good: the which Reinawd loved full dear. And in their fellowship might well be twenty knights and no more. And as they returned to Mountainforde Richard beheld and saw over the river of Muse thost of the king charlemain whereof he began to be sore marveled, & called Guycharde his brother & said to him. Fair brother what folk may be they that I see yonder I heard say the other day of a messenger that told it our brother Reynawd: that the emperor came for to besiege us within our castle.  
ANd after when Guycharde understood his brother he beheld over the river & saw the forward that Guyon conducted, and when Guychard saw them he smote his horse with his spurs, he & his folk went against Guyon, & said to him. Fair sir what are these folk: sir said Guyon these been the folk of the emperor Charlemagne that goeth to arden for to besiege a castle that the four sons of Aymon have do make there, for their strength they travail us much, god give them evil rest. Certes said guichard I am a soldier with reynald, & con you neither thank nor grace of that that ye say, for I am holden to defend them at my power & with this he spurred his horse, and smote the said Guion through his shield so hard, that he overthrew him dead to the ground, and than he took the horse of the said Guion and took him to one of his squires and assembled all the knights together of one part & of the other, they of France cried Mounridye saint Denys, & the brethren of Reinawd cried mountaynforde. Than should ye have seen a fell battle and right cruel the one aienst the other shields broken and helms broken, some dead and some sore wounded so much that it was great pitre to see. What shall I tell you more all the folk of Guyon that made the forward were there slain. This hanging came a squiet to the king & showed him how his forward was utterly destroyed, & that guichard the brother of Reynawd had slain the earl Guyon.  
O God said than the emperor Charlemagne have I now lost Guyon, of him it is great damage, Now wots I not from hens forth on how I should win, sith that I have lost the forward, and than he called Ogyer the dane & said to him. Ogier go to the succours you & names, for Guichardbereth with him all my havoir & have slain all my folk, than Ogier the dane abode not but lighted on horseback he and the duke names with three hundred knights well armed & well arrayed & went after guichard, but their labour was nought worth to them, for Guichard & his men were all ready with in Mountaynford with all the havoire that they had won. When Reinawd saw his brother come with so great havoir: he went against him & kissed them all, & than he said to Guychard, fair brother where have ye taken so great havoir that ye bring here? sir said guichard I shall tell you tidings whereof ye shall be greatly marveled. Now wit that king Charlemagne cometh for to besiege you with all his host & hath so great chivalry with him that it is wonder for to see, my brethren & I come fro the chase out of the wode of arden & we have recountted the forward of Charlemagne that the earl Guy conducted, there fought we together with them, but god be thanked & my men: mine enemies were discomfited & overthrown, one part we have slain: & the other fled away, so have we brought their havoir that ye see here. And there is dead the earl Guy and many other great lords & all their men. Than said Reynawd I ought to love you dearly when ye can war so well that ye have overthrown your enemies at the first coming on, and than he called all his brethren & his folk and said to them, fair lords now is the time come that everich of us must prove himself a good man, wherefore I pray you that every man force himself to do worthily his devoir that your worship and ours be kept, and that men may not wit us no towards, & let us do know our prowesses to king Charlemagne so that he hold us not for feeble & myschaunte, when Reinaud had spoke to his brethren and to his folk: they answered to him in this manner, my lord have no doubt of none of us, but be sure that we shall never fail you for the hewing of our limbs as long as we shall live, and when Reinaud understood the good will of his folk and namely of his brethren: he began again to speak to them and said let the gate be sherre and draw up the bridge, & so go we to the windows for to see this folk that come against us. And than they went there as Reinawd said, & when they looked out of the windows: they saw Ogyer the dane coming with a thousand men with him, which when he saw that Guychard was entered into the castle: he returned again & said to the king how it was, and than he said. Sir I let you wit that the castle of Mountainford is the fairest & the strongest that ever ye saw for it is set upon a high roche of hard stone, and well I tell you for certain that it shall not be so taken so lightly as men ween. For such folk do keep it that well and worthily shall defend it.  
When the Emperor Charlemagne heard speak Ogyer the dane: he was of it so wroth that he went nigh out of his wit, and swore god that he should never return into France but that Reinaud were take, and that if he may have him: all the world shall not save him but that he shall make him to be hanged & his brother Guychard to be drawn at horses tailles. sir said Ogier well ye ought to do so, for they have travailed you full often and have given you great labour & pain. Sir said Foulques of Morillon, have no doubt for shortly we shall avenge you of them, make to be cried incontinent that your host go lodge lightly about Mountenford, Certes said the king ye say well and than he made trumpets to be blown of a height for to assemble together all his men of arms and commanded that all the castle of Mountenforde should be environed round about with folk, & that every baron should do pyghte there his pavilion, and they did so as the king had commanded. Now will I show to you how noble the castle was set. The said castle was closed & set upon a high roche, & of the one side of it was beting a great river called Muse, & of the other side it had even at hand a great woodful pleasant, of another side it hath a fair plain, and of that otherside a full fair meadow great and pleasant to behold. ¶ When the folk of the king Charlemagne were allodged: th'emperor lighted on horseback with a few fellowship for to see the strength of the castle, & when he had well beholden it & seen at his case: he began to say in himself, ha god how is this castle closed & set in a strong place god how these knights know well the craft of war, not withstanding that they be but young folk, fair lords think to war well, for we have somewhat more to do than I wend, when the pavilions & tents of the kings were dressed up: he made to be set a charbonkle right rich all high on his tent which stone full precious was shining as a torch that burneth, & with the same a great apple of fine gold of great value, & when the said tents were all spread & hanged: th'emperor entered within & made the duke names to be armed, & charged him that no man of war so hardy for to light on horseback of eight days, but it were for to sport himself. For I will do know through all the realm that men bring to us victuals in great abundance afore that the castle of mountenforde be by us assailed, and make my chapel to be appareled to th'end that we pray god that he will help us to be avenged of that four sons of Aimon the which we shall famish or ever it be a month. For they shall not can have no victuals fro without by no way, that said that duke Naimes to the king, sit you may do better if it be your pleasure, send a messenger to Reinaud to tell him that he yield to you guichard his brother, & ye shall quite him all his land, & if he yield him to you: make him to be beheaded anon, & if that Reinawd refuse for to do this he may well be sure that war shall not leave him as long as he shall be alive, than answered Charlemagne, ye say well and right wisely, but certainly I wot not where to find a messenger, to whom I might well trust. Sir said the duke names, if it please you, Ogier and I shall do this message. It please me well said the king, and right great thank I shall con you for it, for ye never failed me at a need. Than went names, and Ogyer and made them ready, and when they were ready: they took in their hands branches of olive tree for to show that they were messengers, and so went they both together without any other company, & when Alays that kept watch saw that two knights come: he went & asked them what knights they were that came there. Sir said the duke names, we been messengers of the king Charlemagne that hath sent us hither for to speak with Reynawd the son of Aymon, and incontinent the said Alays went to his lord and told him how at the gate were two messengers of the king charlemain that would speak with him, Reinaud commanded forthwith that the gate should be opened to them & that the drawbrydge should be let down for he would see the messengers & speak with them. Than were the two barons let in & brought afore reynald, and when Reynawd saw them: he salved them courteously, and after that they had saluted each other: they set them all there upon a bench. And than began the duke names to speak & said thus. reynald said he, the emperor Charlemagne of France let you wit by us, that ye sent to him Guicharde your brother to make of him his pleasure and his will, and if ye will not do so: Charlemagne defieth you, and saith that never he shall leave you unto the time that he shall have you all, and when he shall have you: he shall make you all to be drawn and hanged, and die an evil death with great shame.  
When reynald understood these words: he waxed all red for anger, & than he said to the duke names. By the faith that I own to all my friends, if it were not that I love you: I should make you both to be hewn all to pieces, and ye have well deserved it. For you names are my nigh kinsman, & as me seemeth ye ought well to help and defend me against all men, and ye now council me to my great dishonour & against mine honesty. Tell to Charlemagne that he shall not have Guichard my brother, & that he leave his threatening & do the worst that he can, for we shall not do for him nor for his threatenings the mountenance of a penny, and go you to tell him in my behalf that afore that he take us: he shall have a greater need of help than he weeneth, Now void from our sight lightly out of our palace, for to see you thus here grieveth me to sore. When the duke Naimes & ogier understood Reinawd: they made no longer dwelling, but departed incontinent with out any more speaking, and are come to Charlemagne & recounted to him all this that Reinawd had said.  
When the emperor Charlemagne understood this answer: he was so sore an angered that he went almost out of his wit, and than he commanded that the castle should be assailed to the which they saw but three gates. Whereof was set afore the masters gate, their Reiner, & Folques of Morylion, the earl of Nevers, and Ogier the dane. And afore the second gate: was the duke of Bourgoin & the earl of Alphinors, & afore the third gate: was that old Aymon the father of Reinawd that was come to charlemain for to war against his sons as tother. Now weeneth th'emperor to have besieged well Reinaud and his brethren, but and god keep Reinaud in good health: Coarlemayne shall lose there more than he shall win. reynald and his brethren were such knights & so sage that they defended well their castle against charlemain, always it was besieged with so great numbered of folk as I have said afore that it was Jewel to see for there were bretons flemings maunsealx, origners, english bourgoines, the bauyers and the frensheman, but Reynawd made one thing that turned him to a great worship. For he said to his folk fairelordes I pray you that ye mount not upon your horse till that ye hear the trumpets blow. For I see well that Charlemaine's folk been right sore travailed, and now while they been thus weary: it were no worship to us for to ten them upon, but when they shall be a little cased of their wyrenes: we shall then make diligently and worthily our first issue upon them, and I pray you and require you all in general, that every man show than his prowess and strength, and wit it that in the castle of Mountenford was a faucebray upon a roche, through the which Reinawd and his brethren went out under covert at all times that they would without danger.  
when Reynawd saw that it was time foe to go out upon their enemies: he called to him Samson of bordellos, this was a knight a trusty man that was come there for to help reynald and his brethren, and had with him an hundred knights, Reynawd said to him, sit it is now time that our cumies know what we been, for if we tarry longer: the king Charlemagne mought wit us of cowardness, And when he had said these words: he came to his brother Guicharde, & said to him. Fair brother Guicharde, leave not for to be always bold and hardy as long that I am a man on live, for I love you as much as I do mine own body, and it is reason that I do so, for ye & I are brethren both of father and mother and also I believe ye be the best knight of my lineage. And than he taketh him between his arms and kissed him by great love, and when he had done thus: he said. Brother make the Trumpets to blow up of height, and let us make ready ourself for to issue out for to showed Charlemagne what folk that we been if god will that we might take the earl of Estampes I should be thereof right glad. For it is the man, among all our enemies that worst doth to us, that more hath hurted us, happily he shall not scape us, for he is always in the forward, when these words were finished: all the four brethren and all them of their company arrayed themself and issued out of the castle at the fawcebray, with out to make any noise nor cry, and so gone they upon the host of Charlemagne by so great wrath? that it was marvel, and begun to make so great destruction of folk and to cast both tents and pavilions a ground: that it was wonder and pity for to see. And who had seen than Reynawd the worthy knight upon his horse bayard, and the feats of arms that he made upon his enemies: should have great marvel, for to look upon him, for that man that he recountered might well say that he was borne in an evil hour, for to say the troth Reinaud smote no knight so that his stroke came right but that he cleaved him as lightly as thy had not been armed. When the folk of Charlemagne saw their enemies: they run incontinent to their harness and when they were armed they ran upon reynald and his folk, & than began the batyle so cruel: that it was pity for to see. For ye should have seen many spears broken, and seeldes broken and cloven a fondre, and many a good haubergen unmayled corsettes & flancardes all to broken and sore beaten, and so many a goodly man and noble knights beyenge bookful miserably upon the earth. When that old Aymon heard the cry: he mounted on horseback also soon as he might he and his folk and came to the battle against his sons, and when reynald apperceived there his father: he was right sorry for it, & said to his brethren. See here is a great marvel, for her is our father and by my counsel we shall make him run. For I would not for nothing that none of us should set upon him And than they turned at another side of the battle: but Aymon their father came there against them and began to set sore hard upon them & their folk. And when Renawde saw that his father layed sore upon them and bore them great damage of their men: he said to him all an angered. Ha father what do you? certainly ye do great sin. For ye should help defend and keep us, & ye do to us worse than the other do. Now I see well that ye love us so little, and that ye be disposed that we been so pru and so good men of arms against Charlemagne, for if ye have forbanysshed us: well we know it, and that we shall never have nothing of your heritage and we have made this little castle for to keep ourself therein, and yet ye come hither for to help it to be destroyed. It is no Father's work, but it is operation of the devil, if ye will do us no good: at least do us no harm, For I swear you upon all Saints that if ye come any ferther against us I shall forbear you no longer, but I shall give you with my sword such a strooke that ye shall have no leisure for to repent you of the folly that ye do. When Aymon understood the words of his son reynald. he took thereof so great anger an his heart that it lacked little but that he fell down in a swoon to the earth, for he knew well that reynald told him troth. But he could do none otherwise for fear of charlemain but always he with drew himself a back, & suffered his sons to pass by him harmless at that time. The which went and damaged right sore the folk of king Charlemagne.  
During the time that reynald spoke thus to his father Aymon: came Charlemagne & Aulbery, Ogyer, and the earl Henry and Foulques of Morillon. And when reynald saw them come: he made his trumpets to be blown for to bring his folk together again, & when they were assembled of one part & of the other: a knight of charlemayne that was called Thiery made his horse to run against the folk of reynald, and when Alarde saw him come: he spurred his horse and came against him and smote him so hard in his shield: that he showed a great hauberke that he bore through the body of him, so that the said Thyery fell dead down to the earth. And when king Charlemagne saw fall dead his knight Thieri: he was therefore so sore angered that almost he lost his wit and his understanding. Than began he to cry with a high voice, saying in this manner. Lords and barons deliver you for to avenge me of these gluttons that leden our folk so cursedly. See that they been well punished & sharply, when the old Aymon heard Charlemagne speak thus: for doubt to be blamed he spurred his horse & went and smote one of his sons knights that was named amaney so cruelly with his brand of steel, that he smote his head clean of fro the shoulders of him, father (cried reynald to him) ye do ill when so cruelly ye slay my men, but by the faith that I own to god if I trowed not to hurt therbi my honour: I should take thereof cruel vengeance. And than said again the valiant reynald, Ha lady mother how should ye be sorry if ye knew the great works and the great harm that our father doth to us this day.   depiction of an unseated knight or king with crown beside a horse, with two armed knights on horseback standing over him; and of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other, with heads and body parts on the ground 
When Foulques of Morillonsaw that the folk of reynald maintained themself so worthily against them: he began to cry. Sir Emperor and king what meaneth this? I believe that ye beforgotten, send for many of your tolke and cummaunde them that they take incontinent the traitors that now feign themself against your enemies, & without delay make them to be hanged and slain all quick. when the French men understood this that Foulques said to Charlemagne: they made nnoe other abiding but spurred their horses and smote upon the folk of Reinaud so hard, that they made them to recoil back would they or not, when Alarde saw his folk go back: he was right sorry for it, and took his sword and began with his folk to make so great effors of arms: that the french men were all abashed of it. what shall I tell you more of this battles wit it that it was so marvelous & cruel, that it was pity for to see, for every one made the worst that he could, the one against the other. And wit that the four sons of Aymon made so great occision of men & of horses: the none durst come afore them, but none might compare with reynald for to do well. For he made there so great marvel of arms: that the french men durst not come forth for fear of him, for to say the troth reynald smote no stroke a right, but that he slew him where upon it lighted. What will ye that I tell you more? Wit that in this battle kinsmen nor parents spared not each other for they slew the one that other as dumb beasts. There should ye have seen coming through the battle the king yond of saint Omars that road upon a good horse that ran well, & against him came a knight called Guyon, & yond smote Guyon such a stroke: that he overthrew both horse and man to the earth, & when reynald saw this he was right wrath for it. And than he took his banner & said to his folk do so much that I have that good horse, for if he goth away: I shall never have joy at my heart. for I will that he keep fellowship to baiard. And when Richard his brother that was so worthy a knight and so gentle understood his brother that so spoke: he made no tarrying but spurred his horse and smote yond of saint omars so hard that his shield nor his harness might not keep, but that he showed his glaive through the breast and overthrew him dead to the earth and than Richard took the horse by the bridle & led him to reynald and said to him, sir we have the horse that ye have called after so sore. Now may you light upon him when it please you, brother said reynald gramercy of this present, for well ye have served me thereof. Now have we two good horses to whom we may trust well upon now light at once upon him said reynald, and when Richard understood the commandment of his brother: he lighted lightly upon the horse & took his own for to keep to a good knight.  
ANd when reynald came again to the battle: he saw yet his father, and when he saw him he was right sorry for it so that he lost almost his wit for the same and came & said to him by a manner of reproach, by my faith father ye are greatly to blame: ye might well keep yourself that ye come not so often to see us, & for to do us harm. We will show to you that ye be our father. Not good but evil. For ye show to us hard friendship and a sour love at christ mass and at Easter men ought to go visit and see his good friend for to feast him and to do him good & eat with him when the dinner was redi, but this ye do not. For ye come to see us in a hot war, & with the point of the swerdeye there us, it is no love of a natural father, but it is rigour of a stepfather, than answered the duke Aymon I will that ye keep yourself well. For it Charlemagne can take you all the world shall not keep you, but that he will slay & hung you or otherwise make you to die a shameful death, father said reynald let the alone & come & help us so shall the king be discomfited, go forth glutton gods curse have that said Aymon to his son reynald, for I am to old for to do treason. Father said Reynawde little ye love us I see it well, but keep yourself well, for I shall show you whether that I can do any thing with the spear & of the sword & when he had that said: he spurred baiard & went & smote a squire that was called Gniver so that he overthrew him dead from his horse to the ground. When Charlemagne saw his squire dead: he spurred his courser with an angry there & had in his hand a staff of iron, for he would part the battle a sunder, by cause he saw well that his folk had that worse & that they might resist against the great strokes of reynald in no wise, for it was marvelous for to see the great feats of arms that he made there, for he overthrew down dead both horses and men by great strength.  
Charlemagne is comen to the French men, and commanded them for to withdraw themself, for it was time for to depart fro the battle, & as they would have gone a way: came therethrough battle Berarde the bourgoyner & smote Simon of Bremoys so fiercely: that he fell down dead to the ground, when the four sons of Aymon saw Simon dead: they were right sorry for him, and spurred their horses with the spurs & came at that side and broke the press for to venge simon's death, & wit it when reynald was come there it was known right well for he with his sword brought to death well three hundred knights of the best men that king Charlemagne had in his company. Whereof the king was right sorry & sore an angered, this hanging: Alarde went through the press so came he & jousted against the earl Estampes, & his shield he letted not but he showed his spear through the body of him, and thus was by him slain the said earl, when that reynald saw that stroke: he came to Alarde his brother & kissed him upon his helm & bowed himself toward him and said fair brother blessed be the womb that bore thee, for ye have avenged us of the greatest foe that we had. And when he had said this word he made his trumpets to be blown for to call his men together.  
When the Emperor Charlemagne saw this great damage that the four sons of Aymon did to him: he cried with a high voice. Lords & barons withdraw ourself a back, for our enemies be to good knights for us, now is this to us great dishonour & great mishap let us return again to our pavilions I pray you. For I swear upon all Saints that their castle shall never be taken but by famisshing, for they been over good knights prew and wise & well advised of the war. When the barons of Charlemagne heard this commandment they said, sir we shall do your will, & as they would have departed: came reynald spurring his horse, and his brethren, etc. went and smote upon the folk of the Emperor so sharply: that he departed them so well, that they must needs flee & take their pavilions, and so bode with them prisoners Usum Guyemaulte the earl of Neners, & Theirri of Normandi for no man might endure against reynald and his brethren. And when reynald saw the discomfiture and the folk of the Emperor that fled: he made his trumpets to be blown for to withdraw his folk. And when they were assembled: reynald and his brethren returned gladly into their castle. And was always the hindermost man for to keep his folk the better that led prisoners afore, Then came Aymon their father afresh upon them and began to make them great compraunce and when reynald saw his father: he wend for to have waxed mad for anger, so returned he bayard & smote the horse of his father so hard that he fell down dead to the earth. For as of his father he would not touch, and when Aymon saw himself a ground: he rose up quickly upon his feet and took his sword in his hand, & began right well to defend himself. But his defence should have been full little worth to him, for his children should have take him for their prisoner if it had not been Ogier the Dane that came & succoured him. And than said to him the said Ogyer. Sir what seemeth you of your children, they be right chivalrous and hardy as ye may see and know.  
When Aymon was horsed again: he pursued his children as a man wroth & out of his wit, and said to his folk Now go we after the gluttons, for if they live long: they shall do us harm and damage so great that with pain it shallbe recovered. When reynald saw his father that followed them so sharply: he turned baiard and went and smote among the thickest of his father's folk and began to hurt them so sore with the help of his brethren, that he put them to flight maugre their teeth. For they might no longer endure the great maugre thou reynald bare to them, for to say the troth: no harness was nought worth against the sword of reynald. For he cleaved all that he wrought.  
ANd when th'emperor Charlemagne saw this high prowess that reynald made: he blessed himself of the great marvel that he had thereof, and so strong he spurred his horse that he went against reynald, and than he said to him reynald I forbid you that ye go no ferther. When reynald saw the king: he made to him reverence and than withdrew himself aback. And said to his men, let us go fourth, for here cometh the king. I would not for nothing in this world that any of you should lay hand upon him. When the folk of reynald understood these words: they put their swords in their shethes and went again unto their castle right glad of their fair adventure that was happened to them that day. And when that they were within their Castle of mountainford: they made the draw bridge for to be drawn up, & went and unarmed them and found the supper ready, and so they set themself at the table. And there was a great meinie of prisoners. And when they had eaten and drunken their fill reynald came to his brother and thanked him much with all his heart of that he had slain the earl of Estampes.  
ANd when th'emperor Charlemagne saw that Renawde was with in his Castle: he lighted down from his horse into his tent and swore by god that he should never depart from thence unto the time that he should have the four sons of Aymon or that the castle were take. ¶ What shall I tell more? th'emperor Charlemagne lay well xiiii months at siege afore that castle of mountainford, and there was no week, but they had a battle or a scarmyshe, & I tell you that reynald was not so sore besieged, but that he went to chase in woods and in rivers as often as him pleased. And diverse times it happened that reynald spoke with the French men of trayte the one to the other, saying thus to them. Fair Lords I pray you that ye speak to the Emperor Charlemagne & tell him that he shall never take us by no force, for our castle is right strong and well garnished. But know the king one thing that which he may have by goodness, he need not make by force. He may have the castle and us also if it please him in such manner as I shall tell you. When I shall put in his hand the castle of mountainford my brethren and myself, our goods and baggage safe, & that the war take an end that hath lasted so long? he may be well content. reynald said Ogier the Dane ye say well and wisely, & I promyt you I shall show the same to the king as ye have said, & if ye will believe my counsel: I ensure you I shall tell him that ye do so for ye are not folk for to be set little by thus, nor for to be for the court, for if the king had you nigh him, he sold be the better for it.  
ALl thus as reynald & Ogier spoke together, there came Forques of Morillon that cried to reynald vassal ye be but a tool, for certes I have heard your words well, ye shall leave us Mountaynforde for it is not your heritage and your heads in likewise, Foulques said Reynawde ye have reproved me full often. I know well all the harm that the Emperor Charlemagne will to me, is because I have slain Berthelot his nephew with a Chess board of whom god have mercy.  
Certes I could not do thereto, but I was full sorry for it god wots it, It is troth when we played together we had some words, by which without any words he gave me such a stroke upon my face that the blood ran down at the ground. And when I saw myself so armed. I might not be so soft that I could endure the great ontrage that he had done to me with out a cause. So defended I myself to my power. For who letteth himself to be slain his soul shall never have pardon. And thou knowest well Foulques the I did was in my defending. But to this must be made short words, and if it please you, ye shall tell to the king charlemagne that he taketh us to mercy, and that we may be friends. And if ye do this: ye shall do your honour.  
For as soon may ye be slain there as another. Than said Foulques by god all this is nought worth unto you, for ye shall die therefore ye and your brethren. Foulques said reynald ye threaten to much, it appertaineth not to you for to threaten knights so much that been better than you, and if ye have any thing upon your heart: do it without any more words, for I tell you well that ye purchase your death. And when reynald had said these words: they went again to their pavilions. And thus abode the host unto than without any fighting, but the frechemen came again would they or not, wherefore the king Charlemagne was wroth.  
THan the Emperor Charlemagne sent for men through all his land, and when they were all come: he said to them. Sires I complain me to you of the four sons of Aymon that hath my land destroyed and wasted. And mountainford is so strong: that by strength it can never be taken, but by famishing. Now tell me what I ought to do? for I shall do therein your counsel, when the barons heard the complaint that the king made to them of the four sons of Aymon: there was none so hardy the durst say a word, but the duke names of Baviere that said to the king. Sir emperor if ye will have good counsel: I shall give you good, if ye will believe me. Let us return unto high France, for we be to nigh the winter for to make war. And when that new time shallbe come: ye shall mow come again to lay your siege afore mountainford. For I do you to understand that reynald is not sore pressed, but that he goeth in woods & in rivers at all times that he will. And a man that may go out and in at his will: is not over sore besieged. And of the other part reynald and his brethren are such knights that they shall not be lightly overcome. This is my counsel sir who knoweth a better: let him tell.  
THen spoke Hornier of Saveyne, and to him said, sir I shall give you a better counsel if ye will believe me, give me the castle and all the havoir that is with in and the Lordship five miles about it: and I shall yield to you reynald and all his brethren for prisoners afore a month cum to an end. And than shall we go into France for to see our wives and children. Hernyer said the king, ye have said well and wisely if ye may do this that ye have said, I grant to you the castle and all that ye have asked with the same. Sir said Hernyer I thank you for it an hundred thousand times. And I promise you I shall deliver unto you reynald and his brethren as your prisoners or ever that a month be passed. But know you that Hernyer did miss of his enterprise, for he kept not covenant to the king as he had promised him: for Reinaud took him and made him to be hewn all in pieces, and made all they that were with him when he made the treason to be hanged and slain, as more plainly ye shall understand here after, if that ye list to hearken.  
HErnier of Saveyn made none other tarrying, but he said to king Charlemagne in this manner.  
Sir command ye Guyon of Bourgone that he do put in array a thousand knights well armed, and that to morrow afore the day he go upon the mountain fair and softly with out noise, & I shall put him within the castle shortly. When he had said this: he went to his tent, & made himself to be armed. And when he was armed: he lighted a horseback, and road to the gate of the castle, & said to them that kept ward. Alas for god fair lords have mercy of me if it please you let me in, or else I am but dead, for the Emperor Charlemagne maketh to follow and seek me all about, for to make me die because I have said to him much good of reynald, & also I tell you well that I shall show to reynald a thing whereof he shall he right glad if his pleasure is to hear me.  
When they that were above upon the gate heard him speak thus they without long tarrying let go down the draw bridge and made him come in, & dysaimed him & did to him great honour. But the false traitor rewarded them full ill for it after that. This hanging: Charlemagne commanded Guion to make him ready, & a thousand knights with him, and sent them upon the hill, without making of any bruit till that the day were come.  
And wit that Guyon had with him of the best Knights of Charlemagne.  
NOw is Harnyer the traitor within the castle of mountainford, unto whom men made good cheer. And when reynald wist that a knight of charlemain was come: He said that he would speak with him. And so he was brought afore him. And when he saw him: he said to him. What be you fair knight that are come hither? And he answered, sir my name is Hernier of Saveyne, & I have angered king Charlemagne for the love of you and for this cause I am come hither praying that ye have me for recommended, for I wots not whether to go now. Good friend said Renawde, sith that ye say that ye be our friend: ye be right welcome to me.  
For of such goods that God hath sent me ye shall not fail. Now tell me I pray you how doth the host of the Emperor? Have they any great plenty of victuals. Sir said Hernyer they been scarce with them. But I tell for very certain that they shall go their waits within these forty days, for none of the barons will no longer abide there. Wherefore the king Charlemagne is sore an angered with them. And I promit you if the host went away ye might hurt them right very sore, and get very much good, if ye will set then upon the tail of them. Friend said Reynawde to him, ye have comforted me right well, if it is so as ye say, For if the king Charlemagne be once overthrown: he shall not come another time upon us with so good a will as he doth now. And then reynald had him with him to his brethren, that made unto him good cheer. And when the supper was ready: reynald and his brethren set them down unto their meat and supped gladly. And in their company was the traitor Hernier, unto whom they made good cheer. After supper all the knights went to sleep. For they were weary of bearing of their harness, and they had not ceased to fight all that day. And wit that Hernier was well and honestly brought to bed. For reynald had so commanded. And when all the knights were fast a sleep: Hernier as the false judas slept not.  
But he rose and took his harness and armed himself. And when he was well armed at his ease: he came to the draw bridge, and cut the cords that kept it up, and let the draw bridge go down, and than he went upon the walls where he found him that made the watch and slew him. And when he had done this: he came to the gate and opened it. For he had taken the keys from him that he had slain, which had them in his keeping.  
THan when Guyon of Bourgoyne saw the gate open: he made no tarrying, but came and entered into the castle, and all his folk with him. And began to kill and flea all them that they found. ¶ Now shall ye hear of the fair adventure how that reynald & his brethren were saved from this mortal slaughter. Wit that when the yeomen of the stable had supped: they were drunk and went to their bed, & when they were a sleep: the horse of Alarde that was somewhat proud began to make noise against the other. And Alarde and Richard heard the noise of the horses, they rose up and saw the door of the hall open, and perceived out of it the harness that glystered against the moon that shone full bright.  
Than went they to the bed where they had brought the false Hernyer, which they found not there. Whereof they were right sore abashed. And than was Reynawde awaked, and asked who was there that maketh this noise. Let our knights take their rest, that have so sore travailed all the day it is evil done for to go thus stamping at this hour, than cried Alarde to Reinaud and said. Fair brother we been betrayed, for Hernyer that false knight hath put the folk of Charlemagne within this castle, the which kill and slay your folk and put them to a great matter, when reynald understood this: he made no tarrying, but he arose and armed himself quickly, and cried unto his brethren and to his men, Now my friends let us bear ourself worthy, we had never so great need, any wit that reynald had with him but xxx Knights within the dungeon of that fortress, for all the other were within the base court which was as it had been a little town well peopled, where as Guyon of Bourgoyne & his folk slew them.  
This hanging: reynald & his brethren had armed themself right well hoping for to defend themself well.  
THan came Hernyer the traitor stirring about through the master street & with him well an hundred knights. Than said Reinaud to his brethren, fair Lords come forth, for if god help us not: we are all lost, & than reynald and his brethren came to the gate, & defended so well the none durst pass but he was slain, what shall I tell you more? the base court began to be sore moved, and the erye was so great, for all them of the dungeon defended themself valiantly. When the folk of the Emperor Charlemagne saw that they that were within the dungeon defended themself so well: they set the base court in a fire and began to burn, and pull down the houses and all that they found. And the fire was soon so great that it took the dungeon of the castle.  
When reynald saw that he was so taken with fire: he was sore angered and said to his brethren what shall we do here? for if we tarry any longer we shall all be brent or taken and if it were not the fire that thus warreth against us: I make mine a vow to god that we should yet cast this folk out of this castle, but sin that the fire is in it: we cannot keep it no longer. And than he said to his brethren, come all after me & they went to the fausebray that was all ways open, and issued out he & his brethren & his folk with them, and when they were out: than were they more abashed than they were afore for they wist not whether to go.  
Now hear how they did as worthy knights. For when they saw the castle brenne: they entered within a pit that was there under the earth, for fear of the fire & set the door upon them, & there they began to defend themself so strongly: that none entered therein but he lost anon his head. And when Hernyer the traitor was aware of the same: he took his folk with him & came to the pit & began to assail reynald sharply and his brethren, and all they that were therein with them, & wit it that there at th'entry of the said pit were made great feats of arms for they of within defended themselves so well: that none might come in but he were dead anon. ¶ While that the four sons of Aymon were in that pit under th'earth: they heard the cry that his men made, the which Hernyer made to be slain. Than began reynald to sai to his brethren. Lords let us go secure our folk, for and they should thus die: it were to us a great blame. Sir said his brethren go in god's name when it please you, and when they were come out of the pit: the battle began to be there full terrible, for ye should have seen reynald & his brethren give there great strokes and many. For reynald smote so marvelous strokes with his sword Flamberge the which did cut all that he wrought. For reynald was all wroth, and for great anger he abandoned and jeoparded both life and goods.  
And therefore he bore great hurt and harm to his enemies, For he had cast his Shield over his back, and held his sword Flamberge with both his hands & made so great destruction of the folk of Charlemagne: that the place was all full of blood. And when reynald saw that their enemies were sore abashed, and that they durst not abide him: he said to his brethren. It was to us great cowardness to hide us so. Sir said Alarde ye say truth. Than said reynald. My Lords my brethren let us to do well. For traitors been good to overcome they shall not now endure long against us. And when he had said these words: he came to that gate of the castle, and the fire was a little quenched, and maugre all his enemies he she the gate of that dungeon, and had up the draw bridge of the said castle. And when he had done this: he came again to the battle, & found his brethren that slew and beat down so many knights, and bore themself so worthily: that it was marvel for to see. For they smote no stroke, but they slew a man.  
THan was Hernyer the traitor in the meddle within the dungeon, whereof reynald had locked the gate, and drawn the bridge, and the good reynald saw that he was safe of the host of Charlemagne, and began to put himself in the meddle so sharply that he did so much he and his brethren: that of the folk of Charlemagne that were within the doungeon abode of them alive but Hernier and xii other, and when reynald saw that they were all dead: he and his brethren and his folk took Hernyer and the xii other. And than reynald did do make a gybet upon one of the highest towers, and there he made to be hanged the xii men. And made Hernier to be bound his four membres that is to wit, feet and hands to four horse tails. And so he was drawn all quick and quartered in four pieces, as a traitor ought to be done unto. And when Hernier was dead: reynald did make a great fire, and made him to be cast therein, and as he was all together brent: he made the ashes of him to be cast in the air to the wind.  
¶ And here ye may see how the traitors that would betray reynald were dead and slain. For they were punished as they had deserved.  
THan when king Charlemagne wist that his folk were thus dead, and that he should not have reynald nor his brethren: he was sore angry therefore, and said to himself. Ha good God lord how am I evil dealt withal by this four knights brethren, I did myself great harm, when ever I made them knights. And it is often said, that men make often a rod for themself. And that I may well now take to me. For their uncle slew my son Lohyer, and reynald my nephew Berthelot that I loved so dearly, and yet now he hath hanged my men and many of them slain. Well I might call myself unhappy, when I that am the most puissant of the world, cannot avenge me of the four simple knights. I shall never depart from hens till that I be avenged, or else they shall overcome, and all mine army. Sir said Folques of Morillon ye have a good cause why, and reynald is a fool that he feareth you not. For if he had doubted you: he should not have hanged your men, but he hath done so in despite of you. Than said the Duke names of banyer, had ye believed me: ye should not have lost your men ye would believe Hernier, it is happened of it as ye see. Now behold your folk the been shaking with the wind.  
ANd when th'emperor Charlemagne understood this that the duke names said to him: He knew that he said troth, and wist not what he should say to it, but looked down all ashamed. This hanging: reynald & his brethren are gone upon the walls, and looked about them and saw that the base court of the castle burned there as their victuals were. Then began reynald to say to his brethren, fair lords the thing goeth well, sith that we been scape thanked be god from so perilous and hard adventure. It lacked little but that we were all dead by false treason, but the worst that I see: is that we have lost our store of victuals so that we have nothing to live upon, and me seemeth that if we dwell any longer here within: we done not wisely. But if it seem you good, it is time that we depart hence. Brother said Alarde, ye speak well and wisely, and we shall do as ye have said. For as long as the life is in our bodies: we shall not leave you. When the four brethren were together accorded for to departed thence: they trussed all their harness, and tarried till that it was night, and than they armed themselves, & lighted on horseback, And when they were ready: reynald said to them, Lords how many men been we? We been answered Alard well .v. hundred, It is enough said reynald. But wots ye what we shall do? let us keep ourselves always together without making of any affray and so go through the land of Almaigne, and if the folk of Charlemagne hap to assail us: think to defend ourself well and smite hard upon them so that we have to our worship the better of them, when it was time to light on horseback: reynald mounted upon Gayarde, and the other also lighted upon their horses. And when they were all horsed: they opened the gate, and went out at their leisure without making any noise. And when they were all issued out: reynald beheld and saw the castle the brent, whereof he took great pity, and said. Ha god good castle it is great damage that ye be thus destroyed and wasted, god's curse have he that betrayed this good castle. It is a go seven year that ye were made first. Alas we have had there in so much good and so mickle worship: and now we leave you maugre us. Certes ye were my trust after my brethren. And when I must lose you: there is none so sorry for it as I am. And as he spoke these words: the tears fell down from his eyen, and he was so taken with great heaviness that almost he fell down in a swoon so much of sorrow he had in his heart.  
ANd when Alarde saw Reynawde so full of sorrow: he came to him and said. By my faith brother ye be to blame to say so, ye be not the man that shall come to mischief. For all the knights that been a live are not worth you, and therefore I pray you that ye will comfort yourself, for I swear you upon all hallows that afore two year be passed: ye shall have a Castle that shall be worth such four as this is, but now let us put ourself to the way for we have no need to tari. Brother said reynald I have found ever in you good counsel. Now go we than our way, and take you & guichard the forward, and I and richard shall come behind. Sir said Alarde all shall be done as ye say. And than took Alarde his brother guichard with him and went afore with a. C. knights with them and had forth their carriage in the mids of them. And reynald & richard came after with the residue of their folk, but they could never make nor pass so softli, but that the folk of the host of the emperor overtook them.   depiction of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other, with heads and body parts on the ground 
THan when Charlemagne knew we that reynald came: he was much wroth, & made his commandment that every man should be armed, & than the host began to move and went incontinent and armed themself. when Alarde and Guycharde that went afore saw that they might not pass, but that they must meddle: they spurred their horses & ran upon Charlemayns folk so sharply that they were all an angered with it, for they overthrew two knights to the ground and in continent was there great a do.  
And when reynald saw that the host moved: he called to him twenty knights and bade them take and lead forth the carriage afore out of the host, & he should go help his brethren, sir said they we shall do your commandment. And than reynald spurred baiard and entered among the thickest, and began there to make so great marvels of arms that all the folk of Charlemagne wondered upon, for he and his brethren overthrew there dead so many knights that none durst come afore them, but he was slain.  
¶ What shall I tell you? wit it that the folk of king Charlemagne was so discomfited for because that it was night, and might not well see what number of folk the four brethren were, that reynald and his company passed maugre them of the host And also I tell you for certain that reynald and his brethren did so great harm to the folk of Charlemagne: that he was sorry for it many days after. when reynald was passed: he found his summers and his carriage, and his Knights that conduit them, whereof he was glad.  
Than he said to his brethren. Sirs go on your way, and they did his commandment, and reynald with his brother richard abode behind, and when Charlemagne wist that reynald went a way: he was glad by cause he had left the Castle of mountainford, and incontinent he made him to be followed, and also the host was readily armed, and when they were well arrayed: they took their way after the four sons of Aymon.  
NOw been the four knights brethren right sorry of that they have thus left their fair castle of mountainford, and wit it that Charlemagne followed them well of nigh, and said that it should hurt him sore, but if he might take them. But reynald the worthy knight is not abashed, but he taketh all his folk and setteth them afore him, & said to his brother Alarde, Good brother Alarde, take keep of this folk between you and Guicharde, and if the folk of Charlemagne assail us: we shall defend us well. Sir said Alarde as ye have said: so shall it be done. And than they saw come Charlemagne and Ogyer the Dane the duke names of Baviere, Foulques of Moryllon, and many other and when Charlemagne that came afore well horsed saw reynald & his folk: he cried to them and said So help me god glotons ye be now dead, this is the day that I shall make you all four to be all hanged. Sir answered Reynawde it shall not be so as ye ween, and it please God, for if god give me life and health, and to my horse baiard, the pursucte shall sore dear be bought that ye now do. And when he had said the same he turned baiard against Charlemagne for to smite him. For he wend well to have slain him without any fault. The king Charlemagne was in danger to die if reynald had reached him, but Damp Hugh went between the king and reynald that came with his spear in the rest willing for to do great harm And at this coming: he smote Damp Hugh through the shield so hard that he pierced his heart with the Iron of his spear, and so he fell down dead afore the king. And when reynald had given that stroke he went his way after his brethren.  
When Charlemagne saw Hugh fall dead: he cried with an high voice: Now after lords after, for if these gluttons scape us: I shall never be merry, & reynald came again to his folk and said to them. Lords doubt you not as long as I am a live, but be all assured and so ride on hardly and in good array. ¶ What shall I tell you more? Wit it that xxiiii mile lasted the chase, and there was never a mile: but that they jousted together, & many knights were there overthrown & slain. But reynald and his folk bore themselves so manly that they lost, but three of their fellowship at that time, but they road so long till that they came to the river. The king called to him his barons and said to them: Lords let a love the chase, it were folly from hens forth on for to follow them, for I see in all our horses may no more let than go to a hundred thousand devils, for if reynald wrought with witch craft he could do no more, than he doth. Let us think for to lodge us here nigh the river. For the country is good and pleasaunnt as me seemeth Sir said the barons, let it be done as ye have commanded. Than they unladed their summers, and pight there their pavilions. And when they were set up: the king made him to be disarmed. And in the mean while the supper was made ready lightly, for all the day the king had neither eaten nor drunken, nor none of his fellowship. And reynald was passed over the river he and his brethren, and his folk safe & sound where as they would be by the grace of our Lord, and when reynald and his brethren saw that the chase was ceased and left: they went all softly, and when they had gone far from the host of king Charlemagne: they found a fountain fair and clear, and about that fountain was much fair grass and thick. When reynald saw the place was so pleasant: he said to his folk. Hear is a fair ground for to lodge us & for our horꝭ, Sir said Alarde, ye say troth. And than they unladed their summers and their carts, and wit it the horse were weary, but the poor knights were evil lodged, for they had there no meat nor drink but clear water. But wit it that reynald nor none of his knights disarmed them not, but made good watch all the night one after another. And when they saw the day come: reynald made his harness to be trussed, and they lighted horseback, and took their way through the great forest of arden, and when they had ridden long they lighted down afore another fountain that they that had watched the night afore should rest themself there.  
NOw might well say Charlemagne that he can never hurt the four sons of Aymon. And wit that he was lodged upon the river where he abode, when he would no more follow after reynald, and when the day was clear: he said to the duke names. What think ye what we ought to do? Sir said the duke names if ye will believe me: we shall turn back again. For to go any further this way: it were but a folly, for this wood is to thick and the river over much perilous & also reynald & his brethren are such knights that they be not for to belyghtly overthrown, & while the king and the duke spoke together there came many knights to him, and when Charlemagne saw them: he called Vydelon, Reynier, Ogier the dane and said to them. Lords I will that ye come again to paris with me. And when they understood this: they were glad and said to the King, Sir it is the best counsel that ye can do, and after that they were so accorded: Charlemagne made to be cried that every man should return again into his country, & that they should keep it well, & that he prayed them so to do. Sir said the barons we shall do your commandment, and when all was said: they made the host to descend & take their way, & the king went straight to paris and the barons in their countries, and when Charlemagne was come to Paris: he called afore him his barons & to them said, fair lords I am the most unhappy king of the world, when I have no power to avenge myself of the four sons of Aymon, and they led me as ye know. I ween they shall return into their country or to their castle, and it be so: I will that we go there again for to ley siege there. Sir said the duke names, that shall they not do, for they are in arden, And ye know that the forest is so great that they shall find some chevysaunce. That might well be said the king Charlemagne. But where some ever they go: evil way might they find. And when he had said this: he turned toward Ogyer, and said to him. Take Gerarde, Foulques the Almaigne, and Dron of Moudidier, and give leave to the french men and to the other. Sir said Ogyer well shall be done your commandment. And then went Ogier to Foulques, to Gerard and unto Dron, and told them that that Charlemagne had commanded. And after came to the french men, & told to the other knights, & gave them leave. And when the kings folk have had leave: every man went to his country, not the right way: But traversing the mountains. And thus as Aymon went traversing the land toward his country: It happened to him so that he came by the fountain where his sons dwelled. When Aymon saw his children: he was abashed and right sorry for it. And then he said to his barons. lords counsel me I pray you what I ought to do against mi children. For and I assail them, and that they been slain or taken: I shall never have joy. And I I let them go: I shallbe forsworn to Charlemagne. When his barons heard him speak so: there was never one that answered any word. And when Aymon saw that he was counseled of no man: he said again to them. Sith it is so that ye will give me no counsel: I shall do after mine own will. For god forbidden that it be laid to me, that I have found them here. And have not fought with them. But well I tell you that it is for my sin that I have found them here. But from hens forth it shall be done therein as it pleaseth God & fortune. Sir said Esmenfraye if ye assail your children ye do not amiss for ye swore it to the king Charlemagne, keep sir Aimon that ye be not forsworn. For a man of your age should rather die than he should do any treason. Good friend ye say well said Aymon, and I shall so do that I shall not be blamed, and than he called two of his knights, and said to them. Go toward Reinaud and his brethren and defy them in my behalf. Sir said the knights it is a hard thing for to be done, but sith it please you: we shall do as ye have commanded, & than they went toward reynald that was sore abashed, for he knew well that they were of his father's folk, whereof he was full sorry for it. And after he said unto his brethren. lords now arm yourself. For a man that is well garnished is not of light overthrown, and of the other side I know so much the hardiness of my father: that he shall not feign to be fight us. Brother said Richard ye saw truth. This hanging: came the two knights afore him, and when reynald saw them come nigh him: he went against them & said to them. Lords what be ye? and what wind driveth you hither? than spoke one of the knights, & said to reynald. Sir we been knights of my lord your father that sendeth to you by us a defiance. Lords said reynald I wist it well as soon as I did see you of far. But go again & tell to our father that it will please him to give us truce for he shall not do well for to be fight us that are his natural children. Sir said the knight of the folly ye speak, but think to defend yourselves well, for he shall assail you without doubt.  
ANd when they had said these words: hay returned again for to rehearse to Aymon their message, & how they had defied his children. When the old Aymon understood them: he made none other tarrying but spurred his horse with the spurs, and ran the formaste upon his son. And when reynald saw his father come: he came against him and said. Ha father what do you? we have none so great a foe as ye be to us, and I have great marvel that ye come always upon us, ye do ill & great sin for to do so. At the least if ye will by no wise help us: be not to us contrary ne enemy if it please you. Thou thief said Aymon, ye shall never do good sith that ye begin to preach. Go to the wood so shall ye become wild beasts, evil day give you god. For ye been not worth an handful of straw Now think to defend yourself.  
For if ye been taken: ye shall be put to a great torment. Sir said Reynawde ye do us wrong. I shall defend me sith that I may none other wise do. For if I should let myself to be slain: mi soul should be put to pain and torment. When Aymon saw that: he brought his spear in the rest, and put himself among his children, like as they had been strangers And when reynald saw that: he cried to his men, and said, here is none other but do well now. Lords think to smite well, for need compelleth us thereto. And when he had said the word: he spurred his horse with his spurs, and put himself in the thickest. And began to make so great effortes of arms, that all the folk of his father marveled of it greatly. ¶ What shall I say? the battle began so fell and so cruel: that pity it was to see. For ye should have seen give and receive great and horrible strokes of the one part, and of the other, and many knights and horses die, many shields broken and many white harness broken. So many heads smittes of and so many legs and arms broken and sore hurt. And think that this battle was sore strong and well holden of the one side and of the other. But to say the troth: reynald must lose at that time. For his Father had three times as many folk as he had. For of five hundred men that abode with reynald after his castle was take which were with him at this battle: were left on live, what hurt & sound but thirty persons. But I tell you well for very certain that reynald & his brethren did so great harm to the folk of their father: that they slew well half of the men that he had. But at the last reynald must lose and flee away toward the mountains, and Aymon chased him as well as he could, for he wend well for to have taken them. and when Reinaud saw themself upon the top of the mountain: he said unto his brethren. Let us not depart from hence. For this is a good place for to defend. Wit that there was great skirmishing and jousting made and many a knight dead and very sore wounded. And there was slain under Alarde his good horse. And when that Alarde saw himself a ground: he leapt upon his feet right quickli. And took his sword in his hand and began for to defend well his bones. And when that Richard saw his brother Alarde a foot: he turned toward him for to help & secure him, and Aymon and his folk came there for to take him.  
So began the battle yet again more cruel than it had be afore. And wit that Alarde should have been taken there, if it had not be the noble and worthy knight Renawde that came for to help him. And when that he was come there: he smote baiard with his Spurs, and went into the greatest pr●se. So that he overthrew the Duke Aymon his father down unto the ground, and after he said unto him. Father ye have pledged my brother Alarde For ye be now set a foot as he is.  
Than was Aymon very sore angry that he lost almost his wits. And reynald set his hand to his sword and began for to depart the press in such a wise that he brought his brother Alarde out of the press, and after said to him. Fair brother leap behind me upon baiard. For to abide here any longer: it were folly. When Alarde understood his brother reynald: he was right glad for he was so weary that he might no more and so he mounted upon baiard behind his brother reynald. And when baiard wist himself lad with two knights: he strengthened himself so strongly: that it seemed to reynald that he was more joyous and more merry than he had be of all the day. Now wit it that reynald made four jousts upon his horse baiard with his brother Alarde behind him. Whereof he slew four knights of the folk of Charlemagne that were come with his father Aymon. And all thus reynald took Alarde out of his enemies hands maugre their teeth & bore himself right worthily the same day, as here after ye shall mow more plainly understand.  
NOw been the four sons of Aymon recreant & almost weary, but only Renawde that never was the weaker for nothing that he did in arms. For as he went: he turned himself at every pass that he made, and rebuked and kept his enemies a back with his hard strokes that he gave to them, so that his folk went afore him all at their ease and leisure. And when he saw that his folk were well far from their enemies: he spurred baiard and came to his folk (his brother Alarde behind him) as lightly as bayard had be without any bridle and no saddle upon him. For this horse was such that he was never weary, and thus as reynald went away: than came & followed after him Esmenfray that was one of the most worthy knights of Charlemagne & was upon a horse right good and black, that Charlemagne had given to him.  
And when he was nigh reynald he cried to them. So help me God gluttons ye been dead or taken sureli I shall bring you to Charlemagne. And anon went and smote reynald in his shield, whereof reynald was much angry, and reynald smote him again in such a wise and with so great a strength: that neither for his shield nor for his good armours of steel he was not kept, but that reynald overthrew him sterke dead to the ground. And when this knight was dead: reynald took his horse by the bridle and said to Alard his brother hold fair brother, light upon this Black Horse which is good. For I give him to you.  
ANd when that Alarde saw the fair present that his brother reynald had done to him: he was as glad of the same, as though he had won Paris. And than he made none other rarienge: but that he lighted down from Bayard and mounted upon Esmenfrays black horse that his brother had given him & smote him with the spurs & went and jousted against a knight of his father's folk that was called anfrai so hard that he overthrew him dead to th'earth. And shortly to speak after that Alarde was in this wise set again on horse back: began the battle of a fresh sore hard and fell, in so much that at that hour were slain twenty of the best knights that Aymon had with him. When Aymon saw this: he was sore angry for it, & cried to his folk. Halordes if they scape you I shall never have joy, for they have slain Esmenfray the good knight that king Charlemagne had given to me. When the folk of Aymon understood these words, & the will their Lord: than they did ren upon Alarde so much that they made him to leave the place by force, and if it had not be the passage of a little river that eased and holy them greatly: Reinaud and his brethren had much to do, but I tell you without fault that reynald and his brethren made so great occisyon of that folk of their father: that it was pity for to behold, for there died well of them xxv at the passage of the river and if reynald had had with him a thirty knights more than he had at the passage: he should have discomfited his father and all his folk but for fault of men: reynald must for sake the place and might not save with him but xiiii knights of his own. Now see how sorrowful was the battle, for of five hundred knights that reynald had with him there abode with him alive but xiii and ye may well wit that the old Aymon had damaged his children right sore, but that they passed over the River, for as it is said they had lost all their men whereof they were full sorry and wroth.  
¶ Now hath reynald so few folk that he wots no more what to do, but he might not do thereto, whereof the tears fell down continually from his eyen, and in likewise wept Aymon his father at the other side as the history doth tell, and when he had wept enough: he said in this manner. Ha fair Son pane and worthy how sorry am I? for I am the occasion of your harm and damage, now shall ye all go as exiled, for ye have nought to live upon & I cannot help you by any wise, whereof I ensure you I am greatly displeased and sorry for it. The devil take his soul that first begun that strife & so shall he. When he had made his moan and lamentations long enough: he made incontinent all the dead bodies to be taken for to be buried.  
And they that were hurt: he made to be brought with him as well as he could, And made the body of Esmenfray to be put upon a litter, and took on his way toward arden where he bode but a night, and in the morning he made the litter to be borne upon two horses & went again to Paris and came afore Charlemagne and said to him. Sir when I went now last toward my country, wit that as I was on my way, I found my children, and five hundred knights with them in the forest of arden, & for thacquittance of mine oath: I did send to them mi diffiaunce, & would have taken them for to have brought them to you as prisoners, but I might not, for they been sore doubted. And that I assailed them it hath cost me sore dear, for they have borne unto me so great harm and damage that it can not be esteemed, and I slew all their folk except xii persons that been scaped with them but they have slain your knight Esmenfray, but at the last they went away discomfited and overthrown. And they should have been taken if it had not be a river that they passed over, whereby they were saved. When Charlemagne understood these words: he was right sore an angered, so much that he lost almost his wit. And than he said to old Aymon in anger, by God Aymon ye excuse yourself falsely, for never Raven eat his young birds, to another ye shall make this to believe but not to me. When thou old Aymon understood the king that he spoke thus: he said to him. Sir Emperor wit that I do tell you is troth, and I do show it to the end that my truth be known, & for none other cause, do bring afore me your relics and hallows that I shall swear upon the saints that been in heaven, that it was as I have recountered & said to you, and if it please you ye shall believe me, & if ye will not: ye may choose thereof. Aymon said Charlemagne I know well your heart, for if it went all at your will, your sons should be lords of all France, and of all my empire. Sir said Aymon ye be wroth of some other thing, whereof I may not do thereto, & if ye have any knight in your court the will make good this that it please you for to say: I shall prove it on him with my body that he lieth falsely. But evermore ye have be such that ye never loved a true knight, but flateres and liars whereof many evils been happened and shall hap. And than Aymon came down from the palace, and lighted upon his horse and went again to his country without any leave that he took of the king, & he road so long a day after another that he came to Ardeine, and there he found the Duchess his wife, that came against him, and received him with a glad cheer, and asked him how he had done.  
THan said the duke Aymon, full evil have I done. For I found my four sons in the wood of arden, & so I assailed them cruelly weening to me for to have taken them, which I could not do, but I stew & discomfited all their folk, & they have done me so great harm of my folk, and so many they have slain of them: that I know not the number. And I tell you for very certain, but if it had been the prows & great worthiness of our son reynald: I had taken Alarde, for my men had slain his horse, and had brought him so low that he might no more go, but reynald his brother came upon us and broke us so sore that he brought Alarde out of the press, maugre us and our folk, & made him sit behind him upon baiard. And I tell you that reynald fought so sore that never lion nor no boar fought so strongly against any other beast, as he did fight against our men, at every pace that he made forward: he turned himself against us with Alarde behind him that made us so greatly abashed the we might not bear nor abide his great strokes, & at this turning that he thus made: he slew Esmenfraye a knight of Charlemaynes, which he loved much, and when he had slain him: he took his horse & gave him to Alarde, & made him to go down fro baiard, and lighted anon upon the horse of Esmenfray. And thus they went from us would we or not And I went again to Paris to Charlemagne, and showed to him how the thing was come, and how Esmenfray was slain, whereof I trowed not to have had blame, but he b●amed me right greatly for it, but sixh that he is my heavy lord with out a lawful cause: I shall make him wroth and sorry afore six months come at an end.  
YE have done evil said the lady, that ye have thus sore damaged our children, ye should defend them against all men, and ye do to them the worst that ye can, be they not your sons natural comen of your own flesh? For sooth my lord, ye ought well to bear yourself better toward them than ye do, for never so rich a bourdeyne was boar in the womb of a lady, blessed be the hour that they were begotten & nourished, & so help me go● my Lord: as I would that you children and mine had taken you prisoner, to the end that ye should yield to them again all that they have lost by you, and I thank god right highly that Charlemagne is wroth with you, For evil to do may no good come of, ye assailed your children against god, and against rightwiseness, and if harm is come to you therefore: thanked be God. Than said Aymon Lady ye say me right, for I have done great wrong, and I promytte you that I never did thing whereof I repent me so sore as I do of this. But trust I shall keep me another time to do them any harm. ¶ But here leaveth the history to speak of Charlemagne and of the duke Aymon & of the duchess his wife: & returneth to speak of reynawd and of his brethren that are in the woods of arden.   

¶ How after that the old Aymon had discomfited his children they went and dwelled in the ●epeste of the forest of arden so long that they were all countrefayte black & rough as beasts, for the great hungers that they had endured. After they went to arden to see their mother that feasted & cheered them greatly, & gave to them so great good that they might well entertain themself and their estate thereupon against Charlemagne. And how Mawgys their cousin arrived when they would depart, which went with them into the Realm of Eascoyn with five hundred knights. And of the sorrow that their lady mother made at their departing. Capitulum four   depiction of an armoured man kneeling before a female figure; and of three other armoured men 
IN this party the tale saith, that after that reynald had slain Esmenfray and given his horse to his brother Alarde: they passed over the river and went into the forest of arden sore deep in it, by cause they would not be apperceived. And when they had been there a little while: they begun to keep the ways, & all they that came for by them and that bore any victuals they were distressed by them and there of they lived, for they durst not go to no town nor to no Castles for to buy any victuals, and therefore they suffered great need & great disease, for they had neither meat nor drink, but water. For the most part they eat flesh without any bread. And know that for cause of this great sufferance that they endured thus, & also of the great cold that they had, for by cause of the snows that were there: their folk began to die. And abode nomo live but Reynawd and his brethren. And this was because of the great strength that was in their bodies. For no travail might not hinder them. And wit that they had but each of them four an horse that is to wit baiard and the three other, but they have neither Oats nor other Corn for to give them, but they eat only such as they might find in the forest of roots and leaves. And for this cause: their horses were so lean that with pain might they stand, save baiard that was fat and in good plight, for he could better feed and live with roots, than the other should have done with hay andotes. And wit it well that the four sons of Aymon lived there this life so long that every man that passed there as they were and kept themself, escaped not, but he was other slain or distressed of such vycailles as he had, so that all the country about them was sore wasted by them that it was marvel. And at the last the four knights were so sore appaired, that they that had seen them afore: should not have known them, for their harness was all rusty and their sa●lles and brydelles all rotten, so that they had made their reins with cords. And themself were become all black. And it was no marvel, for they weared always their cote of mail all roustye upon their doublets, and had neither shirt nor jacket but they were all rotten. ❧ What shall I tell you more? and wit that Reynawd was doubted and feared sore that it was marvel. For nigh there as Reinawd haunted: was no man that durst abide there, but only within the fortresses. For when Reynawd was mounted upon baiard, and his three brethren upon their other three horses: all their richesse and power was with them, and yet they wasted and destroyed all the country all about them. And so the four poor knights were so sore disfigured, that who somever had seen them, should not have known them. For they were as rough as bears that been famished and were right sore lean that every body had of it pity.  
ANd when reynald saw himself so poorly arrayed: he called to him his brethren and said, Lords I marvel myself much that we take not some good counsel what we have to do, and me seemeth that we been become ill, & that sloth is among us. For if we were such as I crowed: We should not suffer the martyrdom that we endure and that we have endured so long a go, no we know I that we been but little worth to have let rest our enemies as we have. But one thing I consider, we have but few horses & little harness, & no money at a land yet we been in such a plight that we been more like beasts th●n folk. So pray I you all in general that ye will tell me what we ought to do for the best, for I tell you for very certain that I had much liefer die as a knight than for to die here for hunger & for disease.  
ANd when Alarde heard reynald speak thus: he said, brother so help me god. It is long sith I did take heed to that ye say now, but I feared me full sore to tell you thereof lest ye would have be disposed with me for it, but sith that ye have opened the words, if ye will believe me: I shall give you good counsel as we seemeth. Sir we have suffered here great poverty a long time & we may not go into no counrtie but we shall be take, for as ye know all the barons of france, & namely our father, & all our kinsmen hateth us deadly, and if ye will believe me: we shall go straight to A●●eine toward out mother, for she shall not fail us and there we shall sojourn a little. And when we shall have sojourned: we shall take with us some company and shall go serve some great lord, where we shall get some good, for ye be not such a man but that ye shall yet once have great plenti of goods, for I know no man in earth that of worthiness & of strength may compare to you. Brother said Reynawde ye say well and wisely, and I promyt you I shall do so. When the two other knights heard the couseil that Alarde their brother had give to Reinaud: they began to say. Brother Alarde we know well that ye give good counsel to our brother Reinawd. Than said Reynawd. Sith that this counsel seemeth to you good: we shall do it to night, so much abode the four sons of Aymon that the night came, and when it was come: they lighted on horseback and put themseless to the way so well clothed and arrayed as I have told you above and in such wise that their flesh was seen naked in many places of their bodies. And so long they road by night and by day that they came there as they were borne that was nigh the city of arden, and when they were so nigh the city that they might well see it: they looked upon it, and they remembered the great riches wherefrom they were cast and banished, and of the great poverty that they had suffered long. And as they approached nigh the city. reynald said to his brethren we have done evil that we have not taken surety of our father, for ye know well that he is so cruel that if he may take us: he shall yield us prisoners to Charlemagne. Brother said Richard, ye say well but my heart giveth me not that our father would do as ye have said, and he so did: yet have I liefer die afore arden: than for great disease and hunger in the forest, let us ride surely, for I tell you that no body shall know us. And of tother part if we can set our feet within arden: we shall be safe enough, for we be well beloved, and my laid our mother should never suffer that men should do to us any harm ne displeasure.  
CErtes fair brother said reynald, ye have said tight well and wisely, and much ye have recomfort me. Now let us ride in a good hour. And when he had said these words: they entered soon after with in arden, and they toad through the master street that they were not known of no body, & they went straight to the castle without any tarrying. And wit that when they passed thorough the streets: the folk that beheld them, marveled much of them, for they wist not what folk they were, and said the one to the other, see what folk been these. I trow that they been not of our law nor of our believe. Than they asked them, what been ye lords that are so countrefaite, are ye Paynemes, or of what country been ye? Sirs answered Reynawde ye inquire over much see ye not what folk we been. And when they were come to the palace they lighted down a foot, and took their horses to keep to their knights that were come of late in their fellowship, and than the four brethren went up to the hall, and met with no body. For the old Aymon their father was a hawking upon the river, & the duchess their mother was in her chamber, where she was continually pencyful and sorry because that she might not hear no tidings of her children. When thou four brethren were entered within the hail: they found no man to whom they should speak, whereof they were sore marveled and they set themselves down, the one here, and the other there, & abode thus a long while that no body came there. And when they had carried long enough: than came the duchess their mother out of her chamber, and she looked a long the hall, where she saw her sons thus counterfeit which she knew not but marveled herself greatly what folk they were. And when Alarde saw his lady mother come, he said to his brother reynald and to his other brethren, yonder is our mother that we sore desired for to see, let us go against her if it please you, and tell her our great penury and our need. Brother said reynald we shall do so, but we shall tarry till she speak to us or not, and thus tarried the four brethren till that their mother was come to them. And when she saw them so black & so hideous, & principally Reynawde that was so great & so rough: she took so great fear of them that she would have gone again into her chamber, but anon she assured herself & said to them, God save you Lords. What be you or of what nation? are ye christian or paynims, or folk that doth penaunre will ye not have some alms or some clothing for to cover your body with? for I see ye have great need of it, and if ye will have it for god's sake I shall give it you gladly, to th'end he have mercy on my children, and that he will keep them from ill cumbrance and fro peril, for it is well seven years that I did not see them. And when the Duchess had said this: she took so great pity to remember her children that she begun to weep sore tenderly. And when she had wept a long while: she said so high that her children understood it. Ha good god when shall the day come that I shall see my children? Alas good lord how fain would I see them. Was there ever Lady that bore so rich a burden as I have, and that were of it so discomforted as I am?  
ANd when reynald saw his lady mother so sorrowful & sorry: he had of it great pity, and the tears began to come at his eyen, & would discover himself. But when the duchess beheld well his visage and his behaviour, and manner: her blood ran up to her face, and hevered within her body, and began to shake full fast, so that almost she fell down in a swoon to the earth and was a great while that she might not speak her heart was so close and so sore pressed, & all her colour lost and gone, and when she was come again to herself: she did cast her sight again upon reynald, and knew him right well by a wound that he had in his face, which was done to him of a fall, when he was in his tender age. Than she said to him as glad as any mother may be, Reynnawde my son, whose peer is not among all the knights of the world. How see I you so sore appaired and changed? Where is gone your great beauty? why my son do ye hide you toward me, that loved you more than myself? And while that she said these words: she looked about her, and knew her children, & anon she went toward them with her arms spread abroad, for to coil and kiss them sore weeping for great pity that they were so sore appaired of their beauty, and so long she kissed one and than another: that at last she fell down in a swoon. And reynald took her up in his arms, where she abode a good while and reynald & his brethren ceased not from weeping, for great pity that they had of their mother.  
ANd when the duchess was come again to herself: she took her children & made them sit down by her, and said to them how is it that I see you thus poor & disfigured? why is it that ye have with you no knights nor none other company? where have ye been that have endured so great poverty, and so great disease? when the duchess spoke thus to her children she did weep still sore tenderly, and foundered all in tears, holding her son Reynawd between her arms, and kissed him sweetly. Lady said reynald we have with us but three knights that keep our horses yonder without. For our father hath slain all our knights, & all our folk. And also he should have slain us if it had not be our lord that kept us therefro through his pity & mercy. Sore hard parentage did he show to us our natural father. When the Duchess understood these words: she was right sorry for it. And called to her one of her servants and said to him. Go and make my sons horses to be had into a good stable, and that they been well tended. And bring hither that three knights, that keep the horses without, for I will see them. Madam said her squire it shall be done incontinent. And then he went to the three knights and said to them, that the duchess would see them. Which incontinent did as the lady had commanded, and came to the palace where as reynald tarried for them. Lords said the duchess to them, ye be right welcome. Madam said the knights God give you good life & long and joy of your children, For they been the best and the most worthy knights of all the world. This hanging: came there a yeoman, that said to the duchess. Madame, if it please you to sit at the table: the meat is ready. Than the lady took reynald and the other with her, & lead them to dinner and made them sit down all afore her, and their three knights at the left side of her. There made good cheer the four sons of Aimon, and eat at their case & at their own will. For it was long sith that they had any good meal, where they might take their natural food at their ease. And as they were at the table: Thenne came their father Aimon from hawking and hunting which had taken four hearts and two wild bores, and diverse partridges and pheasants. When Aymon saw them: he knew them not and he said unto the duchess. Lady what are these folk that been thus countrefer? when the duchess understood her husband she was sore a gast, and began for to weep and said. Sir these been your children and mine, that ye have travailed so moche, and sore hunted as wild beasts. The which have dwelled long time in the forest of arden where as they have been sore turned as ye now may see. Now are they come unto me by cause I am right glad when I see them. For to you they been not come. For they know well that ye love them not, But I pray you for god that for the love of me ye will lodge them this night. For they shall depart to morrow erlye, & I wots not if ever I shall see them. Wherefore of this I beseech you right humbly,  
Than when Aymon understood these words: he shook all for anger, and turned himself toward his sons, and made to them evil there and said to them, Glotons' gods curse have you, For ye been not worth a straw. For ye have neither folk nor money, nor no prisoner that might pay to you a great havoir. Father said Reynawde by the faith that I own to you, if your land is in peace, the other been not so. For ye might go six score miles that ye should not find neither rich man nor poor, but that they keep themselves within fortresses and in Castles. But ye do great wrong for to do us the worst that ye can, ye took first from us our good Castle of mountainford. And after that ye had assailed us in the wood of arden, and slew all our folk so that of five hundred knights that I had ye left a live with me but enlevyn, whereof viii been dead, and these iii that ye see here are abide a live, now behold well father, and think how ye bore yourself toward us. But sith it is thus that ye ought to us no good will, and that ye may not see us: Make us the heads to be smitten of, and so shall you be beloved of Charlemagne, and hated of god, and of all men.  
ANd when the old Aymon understood Reynawde thus speak he knew well he said troth, and began to fight sore at his heart, and then he said to his children. Myschaunt your lidernes, & sloth hath overcome you. Ye were never my children: For if ye were such as men ween: ye should not have suffered the great poverty that ye have endured so long. But ye should have gone win upon your enemies, for to maintain yourself honestly, & make good war to Charlemagne through all his land. But ye are become myschaunt, & therefore I tell you that ye get nothing of me. Now then void out soon of my palace, and go beg where ye will at another place Sir said Reynawde ye say that an evil and an unkind father ought to say. For I tell you for very certain that we have slain so many thieves and brygauntes: that I can not numbered them, whereof I feel myself in great sin. But for god we require you that ye will help us to recover our lands of charlemain and if ye will not do so: give to us of your gods, and we shall go far from you. I will not said Aymon. Father said Reynawde here I see well your evil will. I and my brethren have done so much, that we been comen into your place, that we should far the better for it, but I see well ye will cast us therefro with great afraye. And I swear to you by the faith that I own to my Lady mother that if I must needs depart from you in such a manner: ye shall abye it full dear, if ye cast us thus out of your land, for I have liefer die here by you, than to die for hunger. Sith that it may be none otherwise.  
THan when reynald saw that his father was so hard hearted against him and his brethren: he waxed red for anger, and began to chau●ge colour, & drew his sword half out of his sheath. And w●an Alarde saw his brother reynald change colour: he knew well that he was wroth, so ran he & called him saying. Ha fair brother, for gods love anger not yourself so sore to our father for he is our lord and therefore whether it is right or wrong he may say to us as it pleaseth him, and we ought to do his commandment. And if he is cruel toward us: we ought to be humbly & pleasant toward him. So keep yourself for gods love that ye set not hand upon him. For it were against the commandment of god brother said Renawde it lacketh but little that I wax mad all quick when I see afore me him that should help us, defend & love us as his children & give us his good counsel to us, and toward all men: And he doth all contrary the same. He hath made peace with Charlemagne for to destroy and undo us. I saw never so cruel a man against his sons, for he chaseth us a way from him full shamfulli, as though we were strangers or sarasyns. I should not can tell the harm & great hurt that he hath done to us, nor the great poverti that we have suffered for him. I would never have done so to him for rather I would have let me been slain all quick. But & if I can ever go from hens: I certify you that I shall anger him, and shall so waste his land that it shall do him but little profit so that it shall be spoken of perpetually.  
ANd when Aymon herad reynald speak thus: his heart waxed soft, & began to weep full sore & said. Ha god how I am sorry that I may not enjoy the good that god hath given to me largely, there should be no man in the world so happy as I were, it my children had their peace with king Charlemagne. For I am sure that the king Priamus of troy had never better m●n to his children nor more valyaunr ne pru, than I have Ha evil heart thou shouldest not take heed to none other aghast thy children, but shouldest help them & keep them against all men, wherefore I ought well to hate thee: evil heart thou hast made me hate that I ought to love as mine own self, & when he had thus spoken to himself: he said to reynald. Fair son ye are right worthy & sage: for never Hector of Troy was worth you, nor in all the world is not found your match. And therefore I ought well to do your will. When the duke Aymon had said this word: he spoke to his wife the duchess & said, lady I go yonder with out, for I will not be forsworn against the king Charlemagne: ye have within gold & silver enough, & many horses & much harness, palfreys & summers. Now give to my children all that they will take. And when he said thus: he took his men with him, & went his way.  
THan said reynald we ought to tank you much of that ye have now said, and we shall go hence to morrow early with god's grace: to the end thou ye be not evil at ease, and if it please you we shall abide for this night for to comfort our mother, that hath be so ill at ease for the love of us. And I promyt you father we should not have comen yet, but it had be for her sake, reynald fair son said the duke ye are full of great wit. Wit that when Berthelot was dead I durst not show me afore the king Charlemagne: because he said he had liefer have lost the half of his Realm, & threatened me for to hang or brenne and destroy all my land, and I did so much by the counsel of my friends that I made mine appointment and that I was out of all blame. And ye have not considered the oaths that Charlemagne made me do against you, as against all other that held with you, and I am sore disposed of that I found you in thou woods of arden as I did. But I was forced of mine honour to do as I did for to be in peace with king Charlemagne, your mother hath not forsworn you, and therefore she may give you of our goods at your will. And when the duke had said these words: he issued out of his palace, & went to the wood.  
AFter when the free duchess heard that, that the duke Aymon gave her leave for to do with his goods at her will: she called her children and said to them. Fair children now be you sure that sith your father is not within ye shall be well tended upon, and shall have all the cheer that I can do to you. And than she did do make the baynes ready & made them all to bayne honestly, & wit that in their vain were many a sweet herb, & when they were well clean: the good lady made bring ●y●●en and other clothes for to change, and to each of them a mantle of fine scarlet furred with hermines, & when she had them well appareled: she led them in a chamber where their father's treasure was and showed it to her children, when reynald saw so rich a treasure: he began to laugh and said lady mother gramercy of so fair a gift as here is. For it mistreth me well, and than he took of that treasure at his will. And incontinent he sent messengers through all the country for to get him soldiers of the best men of war, whereof many one came gladly to him, the which reynald paid for an whole year. What shall I tell you more? reynald and his brethren lay that night within the castle of their said father. And the next morning after or it was day they departed and had with them five hundred men well horsed and well arrayed. And when reynald & his brethren had take leave of their lady mother the duchess she said to them fair sons I will that ye draw toward Spain, for it is a plenteous country. And as they would have departed: than came Mawgys their cousin, that came out of France, where he had been long time,  
AFter when Mawgys was lighted from his horse: he run to Reinaud, his arms spread abroad, & began to kiss him, & when he had so done: he kissed his other three brethren, & than he said to them. Ha fair cousins I am right glad to see you, & thanked be our Lord that he hath brought me into this cost. Cousin said Reynawde where have you been so long that we had never tidings of you. Cousin said Mawgys I come from the great City of Paris where I have stolen three horses laden with gold, & here they been, the which Charlemagne wend for to have hid well, & I give you the half of it for I might not bestow them better than to you. Cousin said Reynawde god thank you. And when he had said: so he went out of arden with his brethren & his folk, & found his father that came fro the wood, & when reynald saw his father: he made him reverence & bowed himself to him, & Aymon said to them, fair sons no when ye well garnished & honestly arrayed. I pray you that ye do so in France, that men speak of your prows, & ye my other children. I command you that ye obey reynald and keep him above all thing, for as long as he shall live ye ought not to be afeard of no harm.  
THan said Alarde, sir we shall do your commandment, and we pray you for gods love, that ye will be evermore our good father. I will be so my children said Aymon, & than reynald took leave of his father & of his mother that conveyed them out of the town. But the good lady fell down in a swoon when she saw depart her children. And all the town began to make such a sorrow that it was great pirie, and reynald and his brethren went on their way. And when the duchess came to herself and saw her children depart: She began to say. Ha poor heart mine, why breakest not thou, alas if I had died long a go my soul were the better at ease, I am not a mother but a stepmother. Alas I see my rich burden go to exile, and yet I cannot withhold them nor help them that they abide with me, thus as the Duchess made her move to her women: Aymon came and took her between his arms and recomforted her and said unto her. Lady discomfort not yourself so much, for my heart giveth me that we shall yet see them in great prosperiti and honour and great joy and gladness ye shall once have of them in short time. Shortly to speak: the good Aymon recomforted so much the Duchess that she left her sorrow & went again to the palace with the duke Aymon. I leave hear to speak of the duke Aymon and of the duchess his wife: and return to speak of reynald and of his brethren.   

¶ How after that Reynawd his brethren and his cousin Mawgys were departed out of Dordone fro their mother for to seek their adventure: they road so long that they came into the Realm of Gascoigne. ¶ And how by the way they made great harm to the Realm of France. And how the king of Gascoigne retained them in his service. ❧ Capitulum .v.   depiction of four armoured men, a king with crown, and a group of unarmed men 
NOw saith the tale that after that Reinaud, Alarde, Guicharde & Richard, and Mawgys their cousin were issued out of Ardein with all their fellowship, that was well of vi hundred men, well mounted & arrayed: they passed thorough Byhense and wasted all France, and passed through the country of Gastynoys, & so forth to orleans where they went over the river of Loire, and wasted all the land unto poitiers. And when they were come to poitiers: they heard tidings that the king Yond of Gascoyn that was a puissant prince was assailed of the Sarasyns. And when Mawgys heard these words: he can to reynald & said to him. Cousin the King Yond of Gascoigne is a prince of great renome and of great power go we to him and serve him and such service we shall mow do to him: that Charlemagne shall not mow hinder us by no ways. Cousin said reynald let us than go there sin that it seemeth to you good, and when they were here to accorded they took their way toward Gascoyn and road so long by their journeys that they came to Burdews a fair citi, where they found king Yond with a great company of knights, and when they were down from their horses: reynald said to his folk, go we lodge us. Cousin said Mawgys we shall not do so, but we shall speak straight with king Yond, & if he retaineth us: in a good hour be it & if he not do so: we shall serve borgoyns t●e saracen, which is right prue & sage, & hath all ready conquested almost all the land of king Yond, as Tholouse, Montpeller, Lietary & saint Gyle, Tarascon, & Arles, & if we fail here: we shall not fail there. Cousin said Reynawde ye speak well and wisely, & we shall do as ye have said. And than reynald took with him. L. knights & his three brethren & Mawgis, and took of his arms and clothed himself honestly and richly, and when he was well arrayed: he went to the king Yons court upon a little nag, and when he road through Bordews: all the people ran for to see him, because he was so great & so well made and so fair with all, and also his three brethren, but they were not all even so great. And when they were come to the gate of the kings place reynald light on foot, & went up to the palace, and found the king at the counsel. And when the steward saw Reynawde so fair a man and so goodly, and so many folk with him: he came him against and said to him. My lord ye be right welcome. And reynald answered to him god give you good adventure Now tell and please you where is the king? My lord said the steward, the king holdeth now his counsel, for Bourgons the sarasin is entered in his land and hath done to him great harm and damage. For he hath brent towns and castles abbeys, hospitals, Churches, and all other monasteries, and now he is perforce within Tholouse with a great puissance. Certes said reynald. This Borgons is of great power as me seemeth and after that men say. Thus as Reinawd & the steward spoke together: came king yond out of the counsel chamber, & when Reynawd saw him: he took his brethren & his cousin mawgis with him & went against the king, which Reynawd salved right humbly & said to him. Sir I am come to you fro a far land with me three brethren & my cousin that ye see here for to do you service & our folk if it please you, & we shall serve you in such a manner, that we will have nothing of you, but & our service be agreeable unto you: ye shall promise me as a king if it be your pleasure, that ye shall be my warrant & help against all other, good friend said the king yond ye be right welcome to me, & where ye say ye be come for to serve me: I thank you for it with all my heart, but I will first know what folk ye been, for ye might be such that I should defend you, or that I should be your enemy. Sir said Reinawd sith that it please you to know what we been: I shall tell it to you, wit that my name is Reynawd & am son elder to the duke Aimon of arden, and these three knights been my brethren, here is Alard, Guichard, & Richard, & here is Mawgis our cousin one of the best knights of the world & most wise. Charlemagne hath cast us out of France, & hath disherited us, & our father hath disavowed us for the love of him & for this cause sir we go seek a bout after a lord that is good and true that should help us to defend against Charlemagne, and we shall serve him well and truly.  
When king yond heard this that reynald said: he was right glad of it that they were the four sons of Aymon the best knights of all the world and most doubted, & Mawgis that was the most subtle of the world that were come for to serve him, he would not have been so glad if men had given to him all paris. For he wist well that if ever he should finish his war: it should be by their mean. Than he looked up toward heaven, and thanked our lord of the coming of these worthy knights, & than he said to them. Lords ye are retained of me for ye been not the men that ought to be refused. I promyt you truly and in faith of a king, that I shall defend you with all my power against all men, ye are disherited & I also, therefore it is well reason that we be together, and that the one help the other of all his power. Sir said Reinawd we thank you a thousand times & I promise you that we shall die in your service or else your land shall be recovered again. The king called his steward & said to him and commanded that Reinawd & his fellowship should be well lodged. Incontinent the steward took Reynawd by the hand, & fulfilled the commandment of the king. Now are the four sons of Aymon acquainted with the king yond of Gascoyn, which went to have do well but he repented him soon after. ¶ But here we leave to speak of king yond, and of the four sons of Aymon: & return to speak of bourgoyns that were at Tholouse, the which he had take by force of arms.   

❧ How Reynawd, and his brethren and Mawgys destroyed Bourgons the Saracens, that had destroyed the realm of Gascoigne and chased the king you unto Bordews upon Gyronde that durst not go thence for fear of the Sarasyns. And after how king you gave my lady Clare his sister to reynald for to be his wife, for the great service that he had done to him. And how he made for him the castle of Mounta when. ❧ Capitulum vi   depiction of an unseated knight or king with crown beside a horse, with two armed knights on horseback standing over him; and of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other, with heads and body parts on the ground 
IN this party showeth the history that after bourgons had taken tholouse: he made a great parliament to his folk. And said to them. Lords ye know well, that when the iron is well hot: it worketh the better. This word I have said afore your lordships for to give you to know what we ought to do. And therefore me seemeth that we ought to ride now toward bourdewes while the corn is in the ere. For our horses shall have meat enough, sir said his folk, ye speak well and wisely, let it be done as ye have devised, & when the morrow came: Bourgons departed out of Tholouse with well twenty thousand knights well armed, and ceased not for to ride till that they came afore Bourdews in ix days. And he set all his folk in a ambushment within a great wood that was nigh, & abode there with them, except four hundred men that went to the city w●sting and brenning all the country unto the city of Bourdews, and when the day watch that was upon the gate of the city saw the Saracens come: he cried with an high voice, arm you knights for here been the paynims that come for to hurt you. when the City understood this: she began to before moved.  
THan when reynald saw that it was time to take his harness on: he said to his brethren Go make you all ready, and make our trumpets to be blown that all our folk put themself in arms. In continent made his brethren his commandment. And when they were all armed: reynald mounted upon baiard, and came to king You & said to him. Sir be not abashed of nothing: but be sure that god help us this day. Myself, my brethren and all our folk we go afore, and make your folk to be redi incontinet for my heart giveth me that this cursed Sarasyn shallbe this day dyscomfited, and overcomen with the help of god. Friend said the king, god be with you, and I shall do that ye t●l me. And thus reynald went out of Bordews the formest of all his folk against the Sarasyns upon his horse baiard, the shield at his neck, and his sword in his hand and ran fiercely upon his enemies and incontinent smote a paynim through his shield so that he overthrew him dead to the ground, and forth with he cast a mother, god wots he held well his sword, for he hue the Sarasyns as they had been without harness. And shortly to speak after that reynald and his folk were assembled: the paynims might not endure. For reynald and his brethren slew them as beasts, so that they must needs flee toward their ambushment. And when bourgons saw his folk c●me thus: he issued out of the wood with his company, and made bussynes & horns to be blown, & came for to succour his men. And when Reinaud saw so great numbered of folk coming out of the wood: he was sore marveled, and turned himself toward his brethren and said to them. Lords keep that ye be not dismayed, for we shall get a great worship this day, and I pray you that every man perforce himself to do well, brother said richard we shall never be dismayed as long as ye be upon baiard. Brother said reynald do as good men, for if ye will perforce yourself a little: These paynims shall not hold afore us. Thus as Reinaud spoke to his brethren they saw Bourgons come the spear in his rest and smote a man of reynald by such a strength that he showed his spear through and through his body, so that h● f●ll down dead to the earth. When Alarde saw that: he was wroth, & sparred his horse and ran upon a paynim so hard that he felled him sterke dead afore him. And shortly to speak there was never seen such a distress of folk, as reynald, his brethren & mawgys his cousin made with so few folk as they were against Bourgons the Sarasyn.  
THan when the king you that came to the succours of reynald saw the great feats of arms that he and his brethren made, and how hardly they did set upon and overthrew all that they recountered afore them the blessed himself of the marvel that he had of them. And than he said to his folk, go we secure these worthy knights, for it is time long a go, and when the king You had said these words: he spurred his horse & put himself among the thickest & began to do well, and did so moche that he broke the great prese, and came where reynald was. And when reynald saw the king Yond he said to him. Sir be sure and certain that the Saracens are discomfited, than said the king. reynald I am well assured that god shall do me grace through your high prowess, blessed be the hour that ye were borne, & came into these marches. To speak shortly the battles were assembled of one part and of the other, but when Borgons' saw the great harm that reynald bore to him of his folk: he said to his men, we been overcomen by the prowess of these five knights. Let us go back again, for it is time. And when he had said these words: he and his folk begun to flee. And when reynald saw Borgons that fled: he smote baiard with the spurs and ran after him and said to himself that Borgons should abide there or else it should cost him his life.  
Within a short while reynald was far from his brethren, & far from his fellowship so that they witted not which way he drew. When that Alarde saw that, he wist not where reynald was drawn: he said to himself. Ha god which way is my brother drawn to that I am not with him? & than came there king Yond that said to them. Lords and knights well ye know (gramercy God) that it is not wisdom for to chase overmuch his enemies for often times cometh there a great damage, let us withdraw us I pray you, sir said Alarde what say ye? we have lost Reynawde our brother & wots not where he is, nor if he is dead or taken, when king Yon understood this word: he was full sorry and wroth, and they went and sought among the dead men that lay upon the field. And when Alarde saw he could not be found: he made great sorrow with guichard, Richard and Mawgis also. And when the folk of reynald saw that he was not found: they began to make so great sorrow that it was pity for to see.  
ALas said Alarde what shall I do? I departed fro my land poor & exiled, but I did not care for it, for I went with the best knight of the world and trowed by the prowess of him to have recovered honour and havoir myself & my brethren, & now I have lost him through my default. Alas my chance what shall we do fro hens forthou? for the earth shall not mow sustain us no more. But that it shall founder under our feet, & when the king Yon saw the great sorrow that the poor knights made for their brother: he said to them. Lords and knights what is this that ye do? sith that he is not dead it ought to suffice you, for if he be take ye shall have him again & it should cost me all that I have in the world. And also we have so many of them prisoners, that Borgons shall not do to him no harm for nothing Sir said Alarde let us go after for god's sake, let us wit where he is become. Friend said the king I will do so gladly. And than they spurred their horses and went as fast as their horses might run, & wit that Alarde Guycharde Richard & Mawgys road a good pace so moche that it seemed that the earth should have cloven a sondre under them.  
¶ No ●owill I tell you of reynald that went after Borgons so fast as if the tempest had chased him, and he was gone so far in a short while that it is wonder for to hear tell, for there was no beast that went afore baiard his horse. And when reynald had overtaken Bargons' he cried upon him as high as he might do.  
Certes Borgons thy horse may no more I see it well, and therefore flee no ferther, but turn thyself toward me, for if thou died flying: thou shouldest be shamed. when Borgons heard reynald speak thus to him, he returned incontinente, and when he saw reynald: he knew well that it was the good knight that had discomfited all his folk and said to him. Sir knight, go back again and mar not your horse about nought, for it ye lose him: ye shall never recover such another, and this he said for to abash the good knight reynald, for he durst not joust with him because of the great prows that he had seen in him but Reinaud was not the man that should be made afeard, with words and than Reynawd said again to him Borgons this word needeth not to you for to say: for ye must needs defend yourself. And than he spurred incontinent bayard, and when Borgons' saw that he might not be delivered of reynald but by jousting: he spurred his horse and ran upon reynald as hard as he might, & smote reynald so sharply that the spear went in pieces. reynald fell not, but smote Borgons such a stroke that he overthrew both horse and man to the ground and wounded borgons in his breast full sore.  
And when Borgon saw himself at the ground: he rose up lightly and took his sword in his hand, and cast his shield upon his head. And when reynald perceived the stroke that he had given him in his breast: he cried to him and said. Certes it shall not be reproached to me that ye fight with me a foot and I on horse back, and with this he lighted down fro bayard & drew out his sword & went against Borgons, & Borgons against him, & there began a sharp battle and when the horse of the paynen felt himself fro his master: he begun to run away over the fields and when Bayard saw him run away, he went after and overtook him soon enough, and than he took him by the mane with his teeth and drew him with so great might that he brought him again to his master in the same place where the two worthy knights fought together, and reynald gave a stroke to borgons with his sword upon his shield and all that the sword roughte he cut through to the flesh, and well an hundred mails of his flancardes and made him a great wound into the hance.  
THan when borgons the saracen saw that wonderful strength of reynald, & the great strokes that he gave to him: he was sore afraid and feared least he should die, and so he withdrew himself a back and said to reynald. Ha gentle knight I pray thee for the love that thou hast to thy God that thou give me truce, and I shall make the lord & sire of all the I have in this world. Certes said reynald I will not do so, for I have promised to king Yond that I shall help him against all men, and he in likewise hath promised me, but and if ye will make yourself christian: I shall do it gladly. Sir said Borgons I will yield me to you, for to no better knight than ye be I cannot yield myself, if ye will save my life and my membres. Borgons said reynald if ye will yield you to me ye shall have no more harm than I shall, will ye promise me this said Borgons? yea said reynald. Now hold my sword said Borgons & I put myself all together in your hand. And reynald took his sword and assured him that he should not die and they two went together for to take their horses, and when they had them they lighted upon, and took their way toward Bordews, and as they came again: they met with king Yond that came and his folk running against him as fast as they might. When reynald saw the king: he thanked him much that he was coming after him, and presented to him Borgons that he had thus taken and conquested as I have rehearsed to you, & said to him. Noble king of Gascoyn I beseech you that Borgons have no harm, for I have assured him. Good friend said king yond, no more he shall, but all honour for the love of you, and I pray to God that I may do nothing that is against your will. And when Alarde Guycharde, richard, & Mawgys saw reynald that brought Borgons' prisoner: they were never so glad, for they wend to have lost him, so ran they and kissed him full sweetly and made him great feast and great honour. For they had been in great sorrow for the love of him.  
BRother said Alarde into a great sorrow and heaviness ye had brought us this day, for we wend that ye had betake, but sith that ye have taken Borgons the war is done and blessed be the hour that ye were borne & the paps that ye sucked, and when they were well feasted: they took on their way toward Bordews, where they led Borgons as a prisoner. And when the king yond was at Bordews: he lighted down and took with him reynald and his brethren by the hand & Mawgys also & went up to the palace, & found his folk that made great feast and he called them to him and said Lords bear honour and worship more to this knight than to me, for I am king of Gascoyn by their worthiness and great prows. For if they had not been I had been dead and over thrown, blessed be that good lord that did put in their minds for to come into this cost, for they have quited my land & have set all my realm in peace. To speak shortly the king made the buty to be dealt. Whereof the most party he made to be given to reynald & his brethren. And reynald would take nothing of it but gave it all to his folk, and when the king saw the great largeness of reynald: he loved him more than he did afore, and than he said that he would make Reynawde lord over him, and of all his land.  
THe king yond had a sister the which was a right fair damosel. When she heard speak so much good by reynald: she called to her a knight that was called water, and said to him, tell me by your faith who hath the price of the battle. Madam said water I shall tell it you with a good will. Now wit that reynald is the best knight of all his brethren & of all the world for he took Borgons the saracen by force, whereby he hath brought the war at an end, when the pucelle understood this word: she was right glad & did thank our lord for it with all her heart. And the king & his knights ceased not to make joy for the victory the god had sent to them thorough the great pro●esse of the valiant reynald. When borgons saw himself in prison: he sent word to king Yond that he should come speak with him. And as soon the king Yon wist of it he went to him. And when borgons saw him, he salved him & after said to him. Sir I am your prisoner & also the most party of my folk if it please you ye shall put me to raunsone and my men also, & I shall give you ten horses laden with gold for me & for my folk. Borgons said the king I shall do with a good will, if reynald counsel me so and no otherwise I will not do, and than the king Yond sent for reynald & for his brethren and all his other barons. And when they were come he held his counsel how he should do for the deliverance of borgons, reynald & his barons counseled the king that he should put borgons to ransom, & when the king saw that his barons counseled him the same: he made borgons to be called, and made his deliverance to be signified unto him. And thus was borgons delivered and went with his folk into his country, & yielded Tholouse again to king Yond & sent to him. x. summers all laden with five gold as he had promised to him. And incontinent that the king Yon had received them: he gave them to reynald and to his brethren, but reynald did as a worthy knight. For not a penny he would take of it nor his brethren also.  
IT happened upon a day the reynald & his brethren went in a forest that was not far thence, & took four wild beasts, & as they were coming homeward they found themselves upon the river of Gironde, & as they went, Alarde looked over the river and saw a high mountain and all high on the top of it was a fair roche. And when Alarde saw so fair a ground and so strong: he turned himself toward reynald and said to him, Brother yonder upon that high Mountain is a fair ground and a strong, I believe that there hath be sometime a castle. And if we might do so much to build there a strong place for ourself: Charlemagne should never take us there. And ye will believe me ye shall ask it of king Yond, and if he giveth it to you: let us do make there a strong castle. Cousin said Mawgys (to reynald) Alarde giveth you good counsel. And I pray you that ye will do so as he hath said. Cousin said reynald I shall do it sith that ye counsel me so.  
And when they were accorded to the same, they entered into a barge and went over Gyrounde, & when they came a land: they ceased never till that they came afore the king, and presented him the beasts that they had taken. And when the king saw them: he received them courteously, for he loved them moche. And than the king embraced reynald in his arms.  
THe morrow next after that the king had heard mass: reynald took the king & drew him a little at a side, and said to him Sir we have served you long well and truly. Certes said the king ye say troth, and therefore I am bold toward you well for it, now look if I have in all my land cities towns or castles, or other thing that ye will have, for ye shall have it incontinent. Sir said reynald I thank you much of your good will. But hear my words if it please you, say on hardly said the king. Sir said reynald I and my brethren were the other day coming fro the chase, and as we came along by the sides of Gyronde and of Dordone and namely between these two rivers: I saw a Mountain sore high, and if it please you I would well build thereupon a castle after my pleasure. Wherefore sir & it please you ye shall grant to me this gift for all the service that ever I did to you. When the king understood this word: he was right glad of it, and said to reynald I right gadlye grant this to you. And with the same ye shall have of me ten thousand mark every year for to maintain your estate. Sir said reynald gramercy, and cast himself to his feet. And the king Yon took him up anon courteously and kissed him for great love and after he said unto him.  
Noble knight I promise you I shall make you a rich man and if God spare me life. Sir said Reynawde god yield you, and we shall serve you truly, & thus they departed each fro other. The next day after when the king was risen out of his bed: he made reynald to come afore him. And after he took twenty knights with him and no more & took his barge upon gyrond and passed over the river reynald and his brethren with him, and they did so much that they came upon the roche, and when they saw the place so fair and so pleasant: the king was marveled of it and reynald was right glad, for the great strength that the place had, for if he might do so much to build there a castellis he should not doubt Charlemagne of a penny nor none other person of the world when victuals were in it. For upon the highest of the mountain sprung out a fair fountain and plenteous enough for ten thousand persons.  
When the knights that were with the king saw the place so fair and so pleasant and so strong with all: they were greatly abashed, a knight than took the king and had him a little a side and told him. Sir what is this that ye will do? Will ye have a lord above you? Will ye do make here a Fortress? I tell you upon my faith that if reynald set here a castle, he shall fear you little neither you nor all other barons of Gascoyn, for reynald is such a knight as ye know, and also his brethren and their cousin Mawgys, and also they be strangers, & soon they shall bear you great harm if they will do to him some other good if ye will believe me, and let this alone, for over great harm might come to you thereof.  
THan when king Yon understood such words: he became all abashed of it, for he wist well that the knight said troth, and little it lacked that the work of the castle came not forth, he began to think a little and after he said, that he had promised it to reynald, and thus he said to the knight that thee Castle should be made, so called he Reynawde and said to him. My good friend where will ye that the castle be made? Sir said reynald, I will if it please you that it be set here in the same place upon this roche. Certes said the king I give it to you. Now hast you to see that it be made and builded up as ye think best, and than ye shall doubt neither me nor my folk. Sir said Reinaud let be these words, for it is no need to speak thereof. For I certify you as a true knight that I had much liefer to die an evil death among the Turks, than that I should think treason upon you nor upon no other. Sir I am and have betake hitherto and hold for a true knight, god give me grace that I do not fro hens forthou whereby I should otherwise be taken. Sir think you because I am enemy to Charlemagne my sovereign lord, that I should be therefore a traitor and that I have done against him some treason. Wit that when I slew Berthelot his nenew, alas I did it in my defence, for he drew first blood upon me without reason or cause why. But I swear to you upon my faith that if any man do any wrong unto you: I shall avenge you thereof after my power, but and if ye have any suspection upon me: give me it not. Good friend Reynawd said the king I did but jape with you. For I know well your troth and well ye have showed it unto me, god thank you, And therefore I have granted it unto you, and yet I do And I will the ye be lord above me and of my land.  
ANd when reynald understood the courtesy & the goodness of the king: he thanked him right much, & he sent through all the land and made come all the masters masons and carpenters and many other crafty men in such work, so much that they were well two hundred beside the labourers, and when all his stuff was ready: he made them to build there a strong castle, whereof the great hall was first made and after many chambres and than the great tower. And when the doungeon was well closed: reynald made after all the castle to be closed round about with double walls high & thick of hard stones, & many towers upon that it feared no sawting of no side of it, & made to this castle four gates and no more, and also he made the portcolysse fawsebrayes & barbacanes well defensible so that it might be no better. When the castle was accomplished: reynald and his brethren were thereof right glad, for it seemed them that they were assured from their enemies. And when king Yon knew that the castle was accomplished and full made: he went to see it. And when reynald witted that the king came: he went against him and welcomed him full honestly & made him go up to the great tour of the fortress, because he should see the compass of the Castle round about at his ease, for the great tour men might see all. The king beheld well the fair work that was so pleasant and so strong with all and the fair fountain that was in the mids of it. And than he called reynald & said to him. Good friend reynald how shall this castle be called? for me seemeth it ought well to have a noble name, for the great beauty whereof it is garnished, sir said Reynawde it hath no name yet, & if it please you ye shall give it a name as it shall like you best. Certes said the king the place is pretty and fair & I will that it be called Mountawban, and than the king made to be known through all his land, that who would come dwell and inhabit in the said castle, which was as great as a town, he should be free of all manner of duytes the space of ten years.  
THan when the folk of the country knew the freedom of the castle, ye should have see come there knights, gentlemen, burgess young and old, yeomen and folk of all manner of crafts so that this castle was so peopled of all manner of folk that in all the country was no town so well peopled, for there dwelled .v. hundred burgess all rich men & there were well. L. taverners, and xv.c. men of craft beside all other folk, & shortly to speak Mountawban was so well garnished and so rich within a little while that it was great marvel for to see, and wit it that the king Yond loved reynald with so good a love, for because of the great worthiness of him that he gave to him valerey and all the lordship that was worth a thousand mark of good rent, much well set, and when the barons saw them that the king loved Reynawde so well: they were wroth for it and had envy upon him, and they came to the king and said to him, sir take well good heed what ye do, for mountawban is right strong & so is Reynawde such a knight that none better is not in all the remnant of the world, and if it hap by any wise that he be an angered upon you: he shall mow lightly bear to you and to all your folk over great damage. Lords said the king ye say troth, but reynald is so gentle & so courteous of himself that he shall never think upon no treason nor to no shame in no manner of wise.  
Sir said than an old knight that stood before the king, if ye will believe me: I shall tell you how ye shall always be lord and master above reynald all the time of your life. Friend said the king tell me this I pray you. Sir said the knight give him your sister to his wife, so shall she be well married, for reynald is well a noble gentleman of all four sides: and thereby ye shall be assured that he shall never be angry ne wroth with you. Friend said king you ye give me good counsel, and I shall do it as ye have counseled me, but I pray you that ye purchase this matter. Sir said the old knight sith that I know your will in this behalf: I shall do my best for to bring the matter to a conclusion effectuel. After these words thus said: the king returned again to Bordews with joy devising with the old knight of the matter whereof they had spoken together.  
THe first day of the month of May, reynald went from his castle of Mountawban to Bordews for to see king yond & took Alarde his bother with him. And when the king yond wist of it: he came to him against, & received reynald with great joy and kissed him full sweecely. And after the king took him by the hand and went up together to the hall of the palace and so forth to the chamber of parements which was hanged right rychelye. And than the king called for the chief for to play at it with reynald, And as they were playing together there came in the old knight that had charge of the king for to make the marriage of reynald, and of the kings Sister, which knight was called Godefray of Molins, & when he was come afore the king: he said. Hear lord what I will tell you, to night as I was in my bed a sleep me seemed that I saw Reynawde the son of Aymon that was set high in a chair and all the people of this Realm inclined themself before him. And the king gave to him a sperhawke mewed full fair and good, and me seemed also that than came a great bore out of the woods that made an horrible noise, so that no body durst not approach nigh him three men assailed him, but they could not hurt him and passed by them. And when reynald saw that: he lighted upon baiard and came against him and fought with him & hurted him sore, and than I work out of my sleep, and when the old knight had said so: then rose a doctor that was called bernard the which was right wise & a great clerk and said, fair Lords if ye list to hearken: I shall expone & declare unto you the signification of this dream. Wit it that the chair where reynald sat betokeneth the castle that he hath builded, and the people that bowed himself toward him signifieth the folk that are come to dwell there. And the gift that the king gave to him: betokeneth that thou king Yond shall give him his sister to wife, the wild boar signifieth some great prince christian or paynim that shall come to assail king yond, and reynald shall defend him by force of arms, and the same is the signification of the dream of Godfray & I indign for to speak should counsel that the marriage should be done of reynald & of the sister of king yond. For they shallbe thus both right well and richly wedded, and than the king answered thou haste spoken well and wisely. When the clerk had declared the betokening of the dream of th'old knight Godfray the king yond said that touching this marriage the thing was well agreeable unto him. And when reynald understood this ward: he said to the king, Sir gramercy of the fair gift that ye do to me, but and if it please you ye shall have a little patience unto the time that I have counseled with my brethren & my cousin mawgys. Brother said Alarde ye have said ill. What refuse you of the king so great a gift as he giveth you now if ye will believe me ye shall fulfil the kings will incontinent for to me and to my brethren it shall please well. And when the king gave you not his sister but a simple Damosel yet ought you to believe him and do after his will. Brother said reynald, it is not the first time that ye have given to me good counsel and true, and I promise you I shall do it sith that ye do counsel me so. And than reynald turned himself to ward the king and said to him. Sir I am all together ready to do all that ye will, and than reynald rose up and the king took him by the hand and made his sister to be affyaunced unto him.  
THan when the marriage was made accorded, & made sure of the one part & of tother: the king yond came to the chamber of his sister, and found her busy about a penouncel of a spear, that she made full fair for the knight reynald but she durst not tell it. The king salved her as soon as he saw her, and the noble maid rose up anon against her brother and made him due reverence right mannerly. Fair sister said the king I have do mary you well and highly. When the pucelle understood him: she began to change her colour and bowed her body to him, and said no word of a long while. And when she had the power for to speak: she said to the king her brother, sir to whom have you given me. Fair Sister said the king I have given you unto the best knight of the world, it is Reynawde the son of Aymon the noble knight & valiant. When the noble Damosel understood that it was to reynald to whom her brother had married her she was right glad of it, for she loved reynald of a great love and said to the king. Sir I will do withal my heart your commandment and your will. Than the king took her by the hand & brought her to the palace, and said to reynald afore all his bacons. Hold here worthy knight reynald I give you my sister to your wife and spouse.  
Sir said Reynawde a thousand gramercyes of so fair a gift that ye give to me presently, for it appertaineth not so great a gift to so poor a knight as I am, than took Reynawde the pucelle and fyaunced her, and swore. And the king would make no tarrying thereat, but took the pucel by the hand, and brought her to the church well honourably, and the bishop of Bordews wedded them. And when reynald had his wife espoused: he sent for his brethren & for his cousin Mawgys that were at Mountawban, the which made great joy, and made all Mountaban for to be hanged with rich tapissery. And than they mounted their horses all covered with sendal and went to Bordews, and met with reynald and his wife by the way where as great justing was made afore the ladies. And after the jousting was done: they came all to Mountawban, and when they were come there: the joy began for to be great in the castle as god had descended there. For to say troth viii days lasted the feast, & many great gifts were presented and given to the lady. And when the feast had endured as long as I tell you: The king Yon went again to Bordews right glad of the marriage, that he had made of reynald and of his sister. For he thought well that reynald should help him against all men, and he said troth. For after that the Marriage was once made there was no baron in all Gascoigne that durst look up, and yet there were some that would not do their devoir to the king, but reynald made them well come forth for to do the kings commandment according to their ligeance would they or not. For reynald was both loved and doubted through all the land of Gascoigne. ¶ But now leaveth here the history to speak of Reinaud and of his brethren and of Mawgys. And returneth to speak of the king Charlemagne that went to saint james in Galyce for to do penance for his sins.   

¶ How the king Charlemagne may a viage to saint james of Galyce. And how at his coming again he knew how reynald and his brethren were in the Realm of Gascoigne in a right strong eastell called Mountawban. And how the king Charlemagne sent word to the king Yond of Gascoigne that he should yield to him his enemies, that is for to understand. reynald Alarde Guycharde and richard, which be the sons of Aymon and in case that he would not: he should come besiege him in his land afore ten months came at an end. Whereof the king Yond answered that he would do nothing for him in this behalf And how after that king Charlemagne was returned to Paris with his fellowship. Roulande his nephew arrived at Paris the which the king made knight, and after he sent him to raise a siege afore Coleyne that a Sarasyn had besieged that was called Escoufrawde the which Roland conquered. And after showeth how reynald wan the Crown of king Charlemagne, for the good running that his horse baiard made at Paris. ¶ Capi. seven. Fol.   depiction of four un-armoured men on horseback, one holding a crown and sceptre 
NOw showeth the History that Charlemagne was at Paris and came to him a devotion for to go in pilgrimage to saint james in Galice. And so he departed out of Paris and took in his company Ogyer the dane and the duke names of Bavyere and many other barons and great lords. When they were upon their way: they did so much by their jurneys' that they came to saint james in Galice. And when they were arrived there: The king went straight to the church and offered afore the altar ten mark of fine Gold. And when he had offered and done his devotion: he took on his way again and came with his fellowship to Bordews. And in his coming thither: he looked over the river of girond not far thence, and saw the castle of Mountawban that was upon a roche so fair & so well made and so well shut with fair walls and thick in the form as I have told you afore. And when that Charlemagne saw it, he beheld it well a long while and than said. A good lord yonder is a fair castle strong and well set. I see well that the king Yond hath made it of late, for it seemeth yet to be all new, and it can be none otherwise sith that he hath builded it in such a strong place, but that he thinketh to make war to some body. And than he called to him a knight of the land and said to him tell me how ye call that castle. Sir said the knight the name is Mountawban. He had great lust to speak, for if he had keeped his peace: there had been none other thing of it, but he had such words that afterward bare great harm to himself, and to many other. For he told Themperor that reynald and his brethren the sons of Aymon had do make the castle, & was called Mountawban. And how that the king Yon had given to reynald his sister to his wife.  
When Charlemagne understood these words: he was right angry for it and wroth. And wist not what he should say, and held himself a great while that he spoke not, and when he had mused a little, he said to his folk, fair lords I shall tell you a wonder. For I have found mine enemies in this land, that been the four sons of Aymon. Now up Ogyer and you duke names, light on horseback incontinent, and seek so much king Yond that ye find him, and tell him in my behalf that he yield to me again the four sons of Aymon that be mine enemies them which he hath withdrawn and borne out against me. And that he find me knights for to bring them only in to my land for I am delivered sith that I have found them: for to hang them or flay them: quick. And if he will not do so: defy you him on my behalf. And tell him that within this three or four months I shallbe with in his land of Gascoigne with all my Host, and I shall destroy and overthrow all his towns and castles, and if I may take him: I shall punish him without any mercy. Sir said Ogyer we shall do your commandment, but we shall take with us Sauces and hosts the which been prue and sage, and Charlemagne said that he was content and incontinent they went on their way. And went about to understand where king Yon was. And so long they asked after him that they found him at Mountawban even at the foot of the roche. For the king yond went again to Bourdews and reynald conveyed him. When Ogyer saw reynald and the king Yond: he knew them well. And incontinent he salved the king, and said to him. Sir god give you good life and long. And the king rendered to him his salute, and after said to him. Of whence be you? sir said Ogyer. We been of the sweet France. And also we be sent unto you. And we are of charlemaine's folk, now hear us if it please you. Sir said the king ye be right welcome. Now tell on what ye will say. Sir said Ogyer, Themperor Charlemagne sendeth to you word by us that ye yield again unto him his enemies the which ye have withdrawn into your lands and ye send to him an hundred of your men for to conduit and bring them with him unto France. And if ye refuse to do this: We by his commandment defy you of his be half. And within these three months he shall be in Gascoigne and shall take all your lands and shall be siege you with in the city of Bordews. And if he take you: he shall punish you in your body. Now have we said our message, and if it please you ye shall give us an answer.  
OGyer said the king, it is well truth that I have retained the four sons of Aymon, which been worthy knights, and so have I retained them because they been prue and valiant in arms, and also that they have holpen and succoured me at my great need. For I was disherited and undone for ever, if they had not been. And for the great good that they have done to me: I have given my sister Germayne to reynald for his wife. And therefore I should be to cruel and eke well mischaunt if I should now take them into the hands of their enemies mortal sith, that they have done to me so good service I have liefer to be disherited and die an evil death than to yield them or suffer that they have any harm nor shame to my power. For namely the king Charlemagne should than hold me for a fool & well nice. And therefore Ogyer if it please you ye shall tell the Emperor from my behalf that I shall for sake first all my land and my realm than I should deliver them in his hands. And this is my answer.  
THan when the king had said thus: reynald spoke after and said. Ogier I marvel greatly of the king Charlemagne that will not leave us in peace. He cast us out of France poor & disherited whereof I am ashamed, & as ye know I would be reform with reason to the saying of his barons, but it pleaseth him not. And so he casted us out of Mountainforde shamefully, so that we witted not where we should go. And yet it sufficeth him not, but he will cast us out of the land of Gascoigne whereof he doth great sin. For yet am I ready for to do his will in reason & right. And I tell you well that if he refuse this by his pride: I will well that he know that I and mi brethren are not such that shall be taken as lightly as he weeneth. And I promise you that or ever he hath us: I shall make him more than ten times angry and wroth. For this that he doth, he doth it but of pride. Ogyer I will well that king Charlmayne know that the king yond of Gascoigne hath given to us leave to build a castle that hath to name. Mountawban, the which is strong and imprenable, & yet I have knights with me that shall not fail me at my need, and tell to king Charlemagne that sith I cannot have no peace nor accord with him: that I shall do to him all the damage and harm that shall be to me possible for to do.  
REinawde (said Ogier) ye speak not wisely, ween ye to abash us with words? ye shall not so, but when ye shall see the Host and the great power of Charlemagne together ye shall be sore abashed, and at the end ye shall be full wroth and sorry, ye know well that the Emperor Charlemagne made you knight, and ye slew his nephew Berthelot, and therefore think not to find peace toward him, and ye ween to be assured because the king yond hath made you to close a Castle, but well I will that he know that he shall repent for it full sore. For afore two months be passed: we shall be in the mids of his land, and shall destroy all his Realm, and we shall burn both Castles and towns. Ogier said reynald I swear to you upon my faith that when king Charlemagne shallbe with his host in to this land: he shall wish himself soon again in France with his folk. And when he shall see the hard jousting and sharp war that I and my brethren shall make against him: he and ye shallbe sore abashed of it, and some of you speaketh now high, that when the deed shall come to proof: he shall be full low. reynald (said than Ogyer) I will hide nothing from you. The king Charlemagne hath so great a power and is delibered for to besiege Bordews, and if he may take you he shall punish you cruelly, now do as ye will. I have told you all my message, and I go again to king Charlemagne. When he had said these words: he returned toward king Charlemagne and showed unto him what king you and reynald had said. And when the king understood the same: he shook all for anger & said, now shall it be seen how king yond and Reinaud shall defend. Gascoigne against me, & than went forth Charlemagne and passed the river of Gyronde, & road so long that he came to Paris, and the day after he called all his barons that they should come to him. And when they were all come: the king held his counsel and said to them. Lords I have sent for you to tell you the great shame that the king yond of Gascoigne doth to me. For he holdeth the four sons of Aymon my mortal enemies in dispi●e of me, & ye know what damage they have done to me. For they slew my nephew Berthelo●. I did banish them out of France, than made they the castle of mountainford within my land, and I chased them out of it. Now been they in Gascoigne with the king Yond that saith he shall defend them against me, and he hath given his Sister to reynald, wherefore I pray you all that ye will help me that I be avenged.  
ANd when Charlemagne had said this: there was none of the barons that answered to him any word, for they were weary of the war that they had made so long against reynald. And Charlemagne saw that no body anwered to him no thing: he called to him the Duke Naimes and Ogier the Dane and the Earl Guydellon, and said to them. Lords what counsel do you give give to me in this matter. Sir said the Duke names, if ye will believe me I shall give you good council. Suffer your host to rest this five years, because that your folk is weary of the war, so shall they rest themself a little. And when they shall be fresh: than shall ye mow make war at your will, for every man shall then come to it with good will. And when th'emperor understood this counsel: he was sore an angered for it that he went almost out of his wit, and as he would have said against the duke names: there came a young gentleman of great beauty, and brought in his company thirty. fair squires well arrayed, this yongeling came to the palace and went up, and when he came afore the Emperor he made his obeisance to him full curtessye, friend said the king ye be right welcome, what wind brought you hither and what be you? sir said the squire. I am called rowland of bretayne and I am the son of your sister and of the duke of Myllon.  
THan when Charlemagne understood rowland speak thus: he was right glad of him and took him by the hand and kissed him many times, & said to him, ye be right welcome. I will that ye be made a knight to morrow in the morning & ye shall assay yourself upon Reinaud the son of Aymon. Sir said Rowland I shall do your commandment and I promise you reynald shall not be spared of me, and he shall not bear away nothing of yours. He slew my cousin Berthelot whereof I am right sorry, and therefore I shall avenge his death if I may by any manner, or else reynald shall slay me. And in the morning the king Charlemagne dowbed his nephew rowland to a knight with much joy and with great honour, & as the feast was a doing: there came a messenger that said to the Emperor. Most high & most puissant prince, your men of Coloyne recommend them right humbly to your good grace, & they do you to wit that the sarasyns have besieged them, and have hurt them right sore. For they have brent and destroyed all the country. Wherefore they beseech you right humbly that ye come for to help & succour them if it be your pleasure, or else they are but dead, and utterly destroyed.  
ANd when the Emperor understood these tidings: he bowed his head toward the earth, and began to think a little. And when rowland saw his uncle that mused th●s in himself: he said to him, whereof be ye so dismayed. give me some part of your men. And I shall go raise the siege of Coleyne. And when the Emperor heard Rowland speak so: he was right glad of it, and embraced and kissed him full sweetly and said to him, fair nephew blessed be the hour that ever ye were borne. For I know for certain that ye shall keep me from pain and travail, and in you shall be my rest and my comfort. And I will that ye go there. And than he gave him twenty thousand men of arms well horsed and well arrayed. And when they were well appareled, Rowland lighted upon his horse and said to his uncle the king. Sir I commend you to god. Fair nephew said Charlemagne I have taken to you my men in your keeping, I pray you that ye will keep them well, & do so much that ye get worship, & god be with you. Sir said rowland be not dismayed, for at my return (if it please god) ye shall know how that we have do. And when he had said this word: he took leave of his uncle & went on his way with his folk, & they road so long by their journeys that they came to Coloine all by night, & put their ambushment nigh their host, & as they were nigh the host: they met with certain Saracens that came again with a great pray of oxen and sheep and of men & women that were their prisoners, and made them suffer great martyrdom  
When the frenshemen saw their enemies: they said in this manner, lords our lord hath sent us hither. Hear been the traitors sarasyns, that so sore we have desired for to fight with them. Now shall it be seen what we shall do with them: put us among them, for at this hour they shall be overthrown, when they had spoken enough: they made none other tarrying, but spurred their horses and ran upon the sarasyns by great strength, so that in a little while they had them discomfited so sharply that they slew them all, and recovered all the prisoners & the beasts. ¶ And shortly to speak when the host of the painimes heard the noise of the frenshemen: they moved themself, & lighted upon their horses, & upon the frenchmen And when the frenchmen saw them come: they went again to their ambushment as well as they could, and began to chase them.  
ANd when rowland saw that it was time to set upon: he issued out of his ambushment with his folk, and went and smote upon the sarasyns so hard that he casted to the earth a great part of them. And to speak shortly: the battle began so cruel & so fell that it was pity to see. For ye should have seen so many spears broken, & so many shields in two, & so many Saracens lying dead on the ground: so that with pain men might go by for the dead men that lay so thick one upon tother, & rowland spurred his horse with the spurs & went & smote a sarasin that was a king & the chief of the Saracens host with so great might that he overthrew him to the earth, but he slew him not of that stroke, but tarried upon him and gave to him such a stroke with his sword upon his helm that he made him all astonied. And when rowland saw him also evil arrayed: he bowed himself & took him for his prisoner, and did set him again upon his horse & brought him with him. And when the sarasyns saw their lord taken and saw the wundres of arms that Rowland made and of the frenshemennes: they put theimselfe to flight full shamefully. And when rowland saw the Saracens flee thus: he cried with a high voice. Lords go after them for they flee all, and if they scape us: it shallbe to us a great blame toward mine uncle the king Charlemagne, and we shallbe holden for cowards, wherefore I pray you let not one escape, for ye shall have them lightly sith that I hold in my hand their king. When the frenshemennes heard Rowland speak thus: they said free knight be not dysmaied of nothing, for we make no doubt that none of them shall scape, but they shallbe taken or slain. Lords said than the king sarasin that Rowland had taken that had to name Escorfawde. They been all mine, I pray you that ye kill them not, for they been all enough discomfited, sith that ye have taken me, but give them truce, and have me to king Charlemagne if it please you. And if ye may do so much that Charlemagne pardon me the great offence that I have done to him: I shall boide fro hence forth all mine heritage of him & yet all my lineage shall be obeisant unto his will, and of this ye may believe me. By my head said rowland ye speak courteously, & by my faith said Naimes Escorfawde saith well, and we shall do so, they gave truce to the Saracens and took their way again to Charlemagne & brought Escorfawde with them and so long they road that they came to Paris. And when the king Charlemagne knew that his nephew rowland was come again to Paris, and that he had discomfited the Saracens and brought prisoner with him king Escorfawde: he was right glad of it, and anon he mounted on horseback, and came against his nephew rowland. And when Rowland saw him: he lighted down from his horse, and went and kest himself to the feet of king Charlemagne his uncle. And anon he made him to rise up, and kissed him sweetly: And than rowland said to him. Sir here I deliver unto you the king Escorfawde, that we have taken. He hath told us that he shall make himself a christian man and that he & his lineage shall hold their lands of you, if ye will pardon him your ill will. nephew said the king Charlemagne there is no trust in him, and therefore I will kee● me from him. Than commanded the emperor that Escorfaude should be brought to prison, and that he should be well kept and that he should have all his will of meat & drink. And after when Escorfawde was put in prison: the king Charlemagne did call to him the Duke names and said to him what think you by my nephew rowland, what did he when the battle was assembled. Sir said the duke names, of rowland needeth not to speak, for never sith that god was borne, of the virgin Marie: such a knight was not seen. For he alone hath overcome the Saracens by his great prows. And if he had a horse that might bear him when he were armed: I swear by my faith that ye should never have enemy, but that he should bring him to your mercy by force of arms. So much he is prue and valyaunte. The king charlemain sworn by his head that he was right glad thereof. But tell me said he to the duke names: where might men find such a good horse as ye speak of? Sir said the duke names if ye will believe me: I shall give you good counsel. Make to be cried with a trumpet upon mount martyr that ye will see run all the horses of your host, And he that shall run best: shall win your crown of gold, and five hundred mark of fine silver, and a hundred rolls of silk. And all thus ye shall mow know the best horse of your realm. And when ye shall have seen him: by him, and give him to your nephew rowland, and after give leave to all your barons unto the feast of saint john the baptist next coming. Duke names (said the Emperor Charlemagne) ye give me good counsel, & I shall do thus as ye have devised. Than the king Charlemagne made to be cried upon mount martyr even thus as the duke names had devised, and did make the lists for the horses to run in. And when this was done: he made his crown to be set at the end of the lists, and also the five hundred mark of silver and the hundred rolls of silk, and this hanging: a yeoman went to his country in Gascoine, and as he passed through Mountabawn: he recounted to reynald and to Mawgys all the thing that men would do at Paris. And how rowland was come to the court. And how he had discomfited Escorfawde the king saracen, and how the king Charlemagne would have the best horse of all his realm, for to give him to rowland, and showed the said yeoman the price that the King had ●et. And also how the Emperor Charlemagne gathered his host for to come to Mountawban. And how the course of the horses should be made at saint john's time next coming.  
THan when Reinawd understood this word: he began to laugh and after he said to Mawgis, Cousin by all hallows of god, Charlemagne shall see the best turn of the world, but he shall not know that I shall have his crown. For I will go there upon baiard to see how he shall prove himself at this time. Sir said Mawgis ye shall not do so yet, but and if ye will go there suffer that I here you company, so shall you be more sure, & have with us knights well armed. Gladly said reynald sith that ye will do so when it was time for to move toward Paris: Reinaud called to him Alarde Guycharde, and richard his brethren and Mawgis his Cousin and said unto them. It is time that we go to Paris. Take knights chosen and put ourself in the way. Sir said his brethren your commandment shall be done. And when they were all counseled: Reynawd came to his wife and said to her. Lady I pray you that ye do keep well my castle, and I shall come soon again. Sir said she command your knights that they been not out of the way, and I promise you if the king yond my brother came himself: he should nor come in nor none other unto the time that ye be come again. Now go god be with you. Than took Reinaud leave of his wife, & set himself toward the way and his folk & went to Paris And when they were come to orleans, & had passed the river of Loire men asked them of whence they were? And Mawgis that spoke for them all answered. Lords we been Bournoys that go to Paris for to assay our horses for to win the price that the king hath set upon. If god will so consent. Than by fair words they passed forth & so long they road that they came to Melym but they entered not within the town but lodged themself in a great valley, and there they sojourned themself and their horses four days.  
THan when came the even of saint johan: reynald called Mawgis & said to him. What shall we do? to morrow shall be the courses of the horses wherefore I say that it is covenable that we go lie to night at paris, cousin said Mawgis ye say well & wisely. Now let me do a little and please you. Than took Mawgis an herb & stamped it upon a stone with the pommel of his sword, and tempered it with water and rubbed bayard therewith so that anon he became all white in such wise that they that had seen him before: knew him not, & after he anointed reynald with an oyntyment that he bore always with him & in continente he became to the age of xx. years. And when he had thus aturned reynald & his horse: he took him & brought him afore his brethren & afore the other knights & said to them. Lords tell me how think you have I not well transfigured him? shall not they may come again and not be known? Behold bayard how he is wexen white he shall lose the price for age.  
THan when the barons saw Reynawde & bayard so turned: they begun to laugh & were greatly marveled how Mawgys had thus disfigured them. When Mawgys had transfigured reynald & bayard and himself also: Reynawd mounted upon bayard and Mawgys upon morel, & took leave of their folk. But reynald at his departing said to his brethren, have no fere for me. For I shall not be known if god will. Than went reynald on his way, & his folk wept for him, for Reinaud went in such a place where he had many enemies. For if Charlemagne had co●ne take him: all the gold of the world had not saved him, but he should have caused him to be hanged. And when they departed: Alarde said to Mawgis I pray you for god that ye have my brother reynald for recommended, for if it were not for the trust that I have to you, I should not suffer that he should go to paris for all the gold of spain. And than reynald and Mawgys went on their way. ❧ Now shall I leave a little to speak of them. And shall return to the king Charlemagne that was at the Paris with his folk.  
CHarlemaine saw his barons that were all come, and than he called the Duke names, Ogyer the Dane, and Foulques of Moryllon and said to them. Lords I pray you that ye take an hundred knights well armed and go toward the way of orleans and beware that none go by but ye know their names & that they been well advised, for I doubt me sore of reynald, that he shall come, for he weeneth well himself to be over subtle, and if it came in his head: he should come soon hitherward Sir said the barons we shall do gladly your commandment, and if reynald be so foolish that he come hitherward: he shall not escape us, but he shall be dead or taken and brought afore you. And than they took leave of Charlemagne and went to make them ready near their horses, & after mounted on horseback with an hundred knights well armed and road the way toward orleans, and arrested themself in the mids of the way, four miles out of Paris (and there they were a long while that no body passed by) and endured great hunger and thirst. And when the duke names saw that they were there for nought: he said to Ogyer. Sir Ogyer by my faith the King Charlemagne maketh us like fools and holdeth us for nice and musardes that he maketh us to tarry here about nought. Sir said Ogyer ye say troth, and God confound me if I tarry any longer. And when they would have comen again aback: the duke names saw come a far Reynawd and Mawgys. Than said names to foulques of Moryllon, yonder I see coming two men on horseback. And when that Foulques saw them: he cried with an high voice, by my faith here cometh Reynawd Now can he not escape by no manner, but he shall be hanged. By my faith said the Duke names ye say troth, For the horse that cometh afore: is much like Baiarde the horse of Reinaud, if he were of another colour. When that Foulques understood these words: he set hands to his sword and came against Reynawde right near, and when he was well nigh them: he beheld them. And when he saw that it was not reynald: he was a l abashed and drew himself aback, and reynald and Mawgys road forth their ways. And when the Duke names saw that they came forth be went against them and called Mawgys and said to him, what been ye? and whether go ye? Sir said Mawgys I am borne of Pe●on and my name is jousser. Friend said the duke names can not ye ●ell me nothing of Reinaud the son of Aymon the worthy knight? yea said Mawgis by my faith, he hath ridden with us two days, and he is not passed two miles behind us. At that horre Reinaud spoke not, than said Naimes what is he that is with you that holdeth him so still and that saith no word? I believe that he hath some evil thought, sir said Mawgis it is my son, and he can not speak no french. For he hath been nourished in the great Bretaine. When the duke names understood this: he said to reynald tell me vassal knowest thou no tidings of reynald the son of Aymon? and Reinaud answered to him in this wise. By my faith no point french grant Bretaine horse a Paris cloyth ganera my. And counterfeited thus his longuage, because the duke names should not know him.  
THan when the duke names heard Reinaud speak thus evil: he began to laugh. And after said to him again, a hundred devils have well taught thee to speak so good french, vassal I wot not what thou sayest thou art more like a fool than a bishop. And so names let him in peace. And than reynald and Mawgys toad so long that they came to Paris time enough for to do their enterprise. And at the entry of the town: they met with an evil ribald, unto whom GOD give ill adventure. For he knew Reinaud. And as soon as he saw him: he began to cry with an high voice, here cometh Reinawde the son of Aymon. When the folk understood the cry: they went that way. And when the ill rybawde saw come so many folk: he was yet more hardy than he was afore, and went afore the other, and took Reinawde by the bridle of Baiarde. And when Baiarde saw that: he lifted his forefoote and smote the ribaude upon the breast, that he braced the heart in his belie, & casted him all dead to the earth And when the people saw the stroke: they began all to laugh, and Bayard went forth, & Maugis after that they were not known: & passed through the town to the market. And when they were comen there afore the lodges: they found all the Inns full. Whereof reynald was marveled. And so they lighted at a cordeners house, that was of the devils side. For by him was almost Reinaud and Mawgys taken, and delivered to Charlemagne that his brethren should not have helped him of no thing. when they were lighted and lodged where it is said, & that their horses were well dressed: Mawgys did do make a bed for reynald and took a thread of silk, and sered it well and came to baiard, and bound him the mows of the feet there withal well strait. And the host beheld well this, and after said to him. Why have you thus bound this horse? he shall not con well go. But tell me what knight is he that oweth the horse? For if he had of age more than he hath? I should ween to know him For he is much like reynald the son of Aymon. Sir said Mawgis I have bound this horse thus because he will fight, and the yeoman that rideth upon him is my son.  
Now have I telled you that, that ye have asked me. Certes answered the host your son is a fair fellow, but I believe ye mock me. ¶ Now shall ye hear a great misadventure that happened to reynald and also unto Mawgys. For thus as Mawgys spoke with his host: he named reynald. Ha sir said the host ye have said enough, ye need not for to hide it any more. For it is Reynawde without any doubt that slew Bertheloc the nephew of the king with a chess board. I shall tell it to the king afore that I sleep.  
ANd when reynald understood this: he shook all for anger. And rose from his place and took his sword & said, host ye have missaide. For I never saw reynald, nor I wot not what he is, hold your peace said the host I know you well By my head ye are Reynawde the son of Aymon. And when he had said these words: he went out of his house. And when reynald saw that: he went a good pace after his host and smote him so great a stroke with his sword upon his head that he clove him unto the teeth. And when Mawgis saw this, he was right sorry for it, and said to reynald.  
What have you done? have you lost your wit? but if God think upon us we been lost and shamed. I can not do thereto said reynald. But how somever it goeth he hath his reward. And than Mawgis came forthwith to the stable and saddled baiard. And made Reinaud to mount upon him, and after himself lighted upon morel, and went out of the lodges. And when the wife and the children of the host saw this that reynald had done: they began to cry, But reynald and Mawgys were soon out of their way, so that none wist where that they were become and went and put themself among the other in the press, and they were never known. But Baiarde went halting, and went to the gate of saint Martyne, and there they abode all the night. And when it was day: they went with the other to the church where the king heard his mass. And when the service was done: the king came out of the church, & mounted upon his horse, & all the other barons with him and came upon the river of Sayne in to the meadow, and Renawde and Mawgys went with them, but baiard went ryghhte sore halting. And when the King was come there: he commanded that his crown should be set at the end of the lists, and the five hundred mark of silver, and also the hundred clothes of silk, and incontinente the Duke names and Ogier did as the Kings had commanded. And when all was appareled: then should ye have seen knights leap on horseback. For every man trowed to have gotten the price, and the king commanded to the duke names and to Ogyer, unto Guydellon of Burgoyne and to richard of Normandy, that they should take a hundred knights well armed and that they should keep well the feast, that no noise nor no strife were there made, and that none should wrong the other, and they did his commandment. And thenne the knights that should run: began for to behold reynald that was mounted upon halting baiard, and so they began for to laugh and scorn with him. And said in jape the one unto the other, this fellow shall win the price. And the crown of fine gold, and said beware that his foot smite you not, and than the other said he shall win the devil, and an other knight said to reynald, ye have well done sweet knight for to have brought your horse here, and if god destineth him: ye shall win the prise this day. reynald understood full well the great words that men said to him whereof his here swelled high, that if it had not be for doubt to have lost the price: be would have begun the strife, and therefore he held his peace, and made neither noise nor word against it.  
THan when th'emperor understood the great words that the knights said to reynald: he was wroth for it, and he said so high that it was well heard of all. I command you upon pain of my grace that ye say no shame nor ill word to no manner of knight. For if ye do ye shall anger me sore. But reynald cared not much of that it was said to him. When the Duke names and Ogyer saw that it was time for to run: they made to sown the trumpets. Then every man putted himself for to run, And when Mawgis saw that every man ran: he lighted on foot and unbound the foot of baiard. But or ever he was unbound: the other were well far, and when reynald saw that it was time for to run after the other: he spurred his horse, & said to bayard, we been far behind ye might well abide. For if ye be not soon afore: ye shall be blamed, when baiard heard his master speak thus: he understood him as well as though he had been a man. Than he grylled his nosethrels and bare his head up and made a long neck, and took his course so fast that it seemed the earth should have sunken under him, and within a while he was passed all the other horses a far way so that men could not see him for dust that he raised. And when they that took heed to the courses saw Baiarde ren thus: they were greatly abashed with all, & said the one to tother behold that white horse runneth fast and light, and but late he halted sore, he is the best of all tother that been here.  
ANd when th'emperor saw this: he called to him Richard of Normandye, and said to him, saw ye ever so many good horses together as here been now? but the white passeth them all, God how is he well like baiarde the horse of reynald? if he had the hears of baiard: I should say that it were he himself, and he that sitteth upon him is also light and prue. ❧ Thus wite it that reynald hath do so much that baiard hath overcome all the other horses. And when he was at the end of the lists: he took the crown and put it on his arm, and the silver and the cloth he left alone, for he deigned not to take them. And when he had taken the crown: he returned again toward the king Charlemagne all fair and a soft pace, when the king saw him come toward him, he said to him all laughing. Friend abide a little I pray you, for if ye will have my crown ye shall have it, and I shall give you for your horse so great havoir: that ye shall have never be poor. By God said Reynawde these words shall nought avail you, now have I well beguiled you, for I go do merchandise else where and I hold you for a child. I have so often angered you & of your men I have so many slain. I am reynald that beareth away your crown, seek else where for another horse that ye shall give to Rowland for to overcome Baiard, for ye shall not have bayard nor also your crown. And as soon that he had said this he spurred bayard with his spurs and went so fast a way that it seemed that the tempest had chased him. And when the king Charlemagne understood this that reynald had said to him: he was wode angry for it that he wist not what he should do so that he might not of a great while speak a word. And when he had recovered his speech: he began to cry with a high voice, now after lords after, for it is mine enemy reynald the son of Aymon.  
And when the knights heard thus cry the king Charlemagne: they spurred their horses with the spurs and went after reynald, but their going availed them nought. For Bayard was far from them with in a while so that they wist not where he was become, and reynald came to Sayne and passed over it all at his ease with swyming, for baiard was well wont thereto, and also he had passed it afore with more great haste. And when that reynald was thus passed the river of Sayne: he lighted from baiard at the bank of it. Thus hanging: the king Charlemagne and his knights that followed after him, came to the rivers side, and began to call reynald & said to him. Ha true man, soon yield me my crown again and I shall give thee ten times as much as it is worth, and I shall give thee truce two years, so that thyself and thy brethren shall mow go in arden to see your mother the which desireth sore to see you, and there is no knight in my land that shall say contrary to it, by god said Reynawde as for these words avail you nothing, for ye shall never have again your crown. I shall sell it and shall pay my knights withal, and the charboncle that thus shineth shall be set high upon my pavilion to the end that they that shall go to saint james in Galyee may see it the better, and ye shall be blamed of your knights that ye have lost your crown by the horse baiard, when charlemain heard him speak thus: he wist not what he should say for anger, & kept himself still like as he had been dead. And when reynald had said so: he mounted again upon baiard and put himself to the way, but not the right way: but road through a little path which he had passed afore time.  
NOw shall I tell you of Mawgys how he did for to come out of Paris that was mounted upon his horse morel. When he wist that reynald was passed Sayne he issued out of Paris and passed the river over the bridge as soon as he might. And when he was without: he began to look after reynald & as he road he looked a traverse and saw reynald, so called he after him as high as he could, cousin think to ride fast, for to tarry here no good shall come to us, cousin said Reynawde ye say well and we shall do so. And so they took their way toward Myllon. And when Alarde saw his brother come and Mawgis: he said to his folk. Lords we may well come out of our bushment, for I see come my brother reynald & Mawgys. Alas said Richard I see them come with great haste. I fear me much that men chase them. Now light we all on horse back and if they have mystre of us: let us go help and secure them. And they answered all we been all ready, & when they came out of their ambushment: there came reynald and Mawgis that said to them lords think to make haste. For the long tarrying might do to us harm because that I bring with me the crown of Charlemagne, the which baiard hath made me win by his prowess. And when Alarde understood his brother speak thus: he was so greatly in joy that he wist not what he should say but colled & kissed his brother reynald with great joy. And than incontinent they put themself to the way and so long they road that they came to orleans and passed the river of Loire with all diligence, and after they made so much by their journeys: that they came to Mountawban whole and glad, thanked be god.  
THan when they were at mountawban: the lady came them against & received them right gladly, and made them right great there and all the folk of the Castle were right glad of the coming of reynald and of his brethren, and asked him how he had done in his voyage, lords said Reynawde well god gramercy. I was known of mine host the which would have betrayed and accused me, but I sold it to him full dear, I clove his head to the teeth and went out of his house by night and put us in the press of the other, but ye wist never folk so well scorned as we were, for the folk of charlemagne mocked me and baiard, whereof the king was angry, & thus they left me in peace. And when the trumpets began to blow for to begin the course: they that should run departed incontinent, and I bode be hind well the shot of a bow, and I tell you well for certain, there were well twenty thousand horses. And when I saw me behind: I said to baiard that it should be great shame to him if he abode behind, but god gramercy and baiard I over ran them al. And bare away the price, and of it I have brought with me the crown of the king charlemagne whereof he is full sorry. When they of Mountawban understood these words: they were right glad. But here I leave for to speak of reynald and of his brethren and return to speak of the king Charlemagne that was at paris right sorry for his crown that he had lost.   

¶ How the king Charlemagne went into Gascoyn with his host. And how he besieged reynald and his brethren within the castle of Mountawban. And how reynald won the first battle of the king, the which Rowland conducted & Oliver and the bishop Turpyn. ¶ Capitulum. viii.   depiction of a siege camp with a king or Charlemagne with crown and sceptre, surrounded by a group of men, some armed with pikes; in the background a castle; in the foreground three canons 
IN this party showeth the history that when reynald had won the crown of king Charlemagne: The king abode all wroth and sore an angered and he called all his barons & said to them Lords I pray you that ye counsel me how I shall may avenge me of reynald the son of Aymon. For ye know how he hath angered me. I promise you but that I may have my crown again: I shall wax mad all quick. For my courage telleth me that he shall do break it & he shall put the carbor●tle that is thereon upon his pauyll●on, because the folk that go to saint james shall see it to my great vytupere & shame. Sir said Rowland if ye will avenge you well of reynald: go we upon him and we shall exile and destroy him and his land, and if the king You of Gascoyn may be taken: so make justice of him in such wise that it may be remembered perpetually. nephew said the king ye say well and wisely & it shallbe done as ye have advised me, & I promise you that I shall never have joy till that I be avenged at my will. Sir said the duke Naimes leave this anger in peace, ye know how reynald is your enemy & praiseth you nothing, but & ye will I shall give you such counsel that reynald shallbe brought to destruction and his brethren and Mawgys also. Sir do that your barons be ready at candelmas next coming and that every one of them make good provision of victual for seven. year, & than abide so long afore mountawban till that ye take them and after ye shall avenge yourself at your will upon them.  
THan when the king Charlemagne understood the good counsel that the duke names had given unto him: he life up his head and said. names it is no● the first good counsel that ye have given to me and I will it be done as ye say. And than the king Charlemagne did do make his letters and sent them through all his empire. In the which letters was contained that every man that was accustomed to bear arms & to go to war should come to him at the feast of Candelmasse next following well garnished of victual for the space of vii years, for to abide at siege afore mountawban. When the barons knew the kings will: every man made himself ready as well as he could and came to Paris, and presented them to king Charlemagne & to his nephew with rowland, and by cause of the great numbered of folk that were come there, they might not lodge all within Paris: but they lodged without the town upon the river of Saine. When the king saw that all his barons were come: he made them all to come before him & said to them, lords ye all know right well (at the lest the most party of you) how I have overcome & subdued xl kings in my days, the which are all to me obeissant, except the king Yond of Gascoyn that hath withdrawn in his land my enemies mortal, that been the four sons of Aymon, ye know well the great dishonour they have done to me, whereof I me complain unto you & pray you & command you that ye come with me into Gascoyn for to help me that I be avenged of the great harm and shame that these four sons of Aimon do to me, for by your oath ye been all beholden thereunto.  
THan said the earl of Nantuel, Sir we shall not go there at this time. Ye know well that that we been come out of Spain but late, whereof we been yet all weary. And also in this fellowship been many princes and barons that have not been yet in their country nor seen their wives and children, and ye will that, that we go into Gascoyn upon the king Yond, & upon the four sons of Aymon: And I tell you that the two wounds that I received in Spain be not yet whole, and therefore we may not go into Gascoyn at this time. But if it please you ye shall do as a good king and a sage, and shall show that ye love your folk, For ye ought to keep them as yourself. Withdraw your host unto whitsunday next coming and give leave to all your barons to go to their places for to rest them a while, And when the time shall be come & that your pleasure is to call them: they shall then be all fresh and ready to fulfil your commandment with all diligence. When the king understood these words: he was wroth and swore by saint Denys of France, saying in this manner, if I should be dyssheryted I shall go now into Gascoyn, and I shall take with me all the young folk of my host: the which I shall put in good stray honestly, and I shall give them all that they shall need, though ye should abide behind as week men and faint. Sir said the duke names ye say well, for this young men shallbe right glad for to assay themself. Therefore will I do it said king Charlemagne and so shall the king Yond be destroyed, and when I shall have reynald and his brethren, and Mawgys the theete taken: I shall depart the land of Gascoigne to these young knights for their heritage. This hanging that the king Charlemagne said these words: a spy that longed to reynald was in this company that understood all that said is. And when the spy had heard all together well: he put himself to the way, and did so much by his journeys, that he came to mountawban, where he found Reynawde his brethren, and Mawgys. And in continent that reynald saw him he demanded of his what tidings bring you fro Paris and from the court of king Charlemagne?  
My Lord said the spy, wit it that king Charlemagne is greatly wroth with king yond and against you and against your brethren, & against Mawgys. He hath sent for all his subjects in his Empire, but none would have comen with him into Gascoigne. And then he swore saint Denys that he should come into th●se parties, and should bring with him none other but all young knights. To the which he shall give all Gascoigne, And saith that he shall besiege Mountawban, and shall do to be cast down the great tower, and shall set all Gascoigne in a tire and flame. Than said reynald to his folk, be not discouraged of nothing For I shall see how rowland and Oliver shall bear themselves against me and mi brethren. And than went reynald into the hall. And found his brethren and Mawgys with his knights, and said to them. Lords I bring you tidings. Now wit that the king Charlemagne cometh to besyge us, and bringeth with him all the puissance of France.  
Now let us think to receive him well, for he shall have more to do than he weeneth, brother said Alarde have no doubt, for they shallbe well received, for as long that we shall live and shall see you ride upon bayard: we shall not fail you, nor we shall not be a feared to be taken nor ill handled. For no man alive is worth you, neither of goodness nor of prows.  
This hanging: charlemain was advised and thought upon the counsel that the Duke of Nantuel had given to him. And after he called his folk & said to them. Lords I give you leave, and let you wit that at Easter I shall hold my counsel general, and it please you. Now keep that ye fail not to come than well appareled and ready, for I would not leave for nothing, but that I should go see the king Yon. And if he yield me not the four sons of Aymon: I shall do to him with out doubt so much shame that I shall make his beard to be cut of hard by the chin. And also I shall take the crown of Gascoigne from his head and I shall make him come a foot after me begging his bread. And when he had said these words: The barons took leave of Charlemagne, and went into their countries, but at their departing: Charlemagne said to them. Lords remember well yourself that ye come at the term that I have set. For I swear unto you that those that shall not come, & if I evercome again from Gascoigne: they shall repent it full sore. Shortly to speak: richard went into his duchy of Normandye solomon into Bretayne. Godfray into Avinion, Hugh the old and Dyssyers' into spain, and Bretons into Almaigne. And all the other every into his own country.  
When it was time for to come again to the court at the term that the king Charlemagne had set: every man made himself ready as well as he could for to come to the court as they were expressly charged they should do, first came there richard of Normandye and brought with him many a noble knight, and presented himself tofore the king Charlemagne even at saint Denys. After came Solomon of Bretayne, and brought with him of his barons a fair company and presented himself to the king at saint Denys. After came Dyssyers' of Spain which brought with him well ten thousand knights well armed, and well garnished of victuals. For in all the host of Charlemagne was none so well arrayed as they were of all things. And presented himself in this manner at saint Denys unto the king Charlemagne. Than came Godfray the Ecle of Auynyon and brought with him all his power and a fair company and foison of victual. And presented him and his folk to the king Charlemagne. And after came Ponthus out of Almaigne, & brought with him affair company of men of arms. For he had with him then of Island and of Armony, and well three thousand archers, the which for no doubt of death would never flee from battle. And presented himself and his fellowship to the king charlemayne, the which he received right honourably. Than after came the good bishop Turpin, and brought with him a fair company and well enewred to the war, and presented himself to the king Charlemagne, that was right glad of his coming, for the bishop was a good true man. And the king Charlemagne trusted much to him for his great fidelity, and also for the great prows that was in him.  
ALL the great Lords that held their lands of the king Charlemagne came to Paris & presented themself and their men to the king Charlemagne that received them with great joy and was glad to see about him so fair a company of good men of war, but I tell you that when the host was assembled at Paris: there was so great a dearth that it was great pity, for the razor of where was sold for forty shillings and twenty pence and if the king had tarried there any longer. there should have been so great a dearth that all the small people had been all dead for hunger. But the king Charlemagne began for to make his mustres, for to know how much people that he had. And when the the mustres were made: they found that they were well xxx thousand knights that had their first beards besyoe the old knights that were well an hundred thousand. And when that this was done: the Emperor Charlemagne called Rowland his nephew afore him and said to him. Fair nephew I recomende to you mine host, and I pray you that ye will conduit it by good manner. Sir said Roland I shall do therein my devoir after my power. Than made to be take to him the oryflambe, and departed out of Paris, and they did so much by small journeys that they came to Bloye, and than Charlemagne made to be cried that all the vytaylers of the land should go with victual after the host. And if that they brought that were worth a penny: they should have two for it. And when that this great army was come to Bloy they passed over Gyronde and went afore the great castle of Mountawban. And they lodged themselves there round about the place. And then the French men began to say the one to the other, by mine oath there is a fair castle and a stornge and but if we get some other part, here shall we win but a little.  
ANd when the battles were ordained round about mountawban: Rowland began for to say to the king Charlemagne. Sir me seemeth that we should now give a assault to Mountawban. And the King answered, I will not that my folk have any damage, but first I will know if the castle will hold or yield up. For if he will be given up: I would not that any battle should be done to it. And than incontinent he sent a knight mounted upon a mewle all unarmed, the which came unto the gate of the castle, and when they that kept the gate saw that it was a messenger: they opened to him the gate, and the Knight entered into the castle. And as he was come in, he found the steward with an hundred men that went about visiting the watches and the wards. Incotinente the knight salved him, and the steward rendered him again his salute and said to him. What be ye gentleman, and what seek you here within? I pray you tell me what folk are yonder without so fair a company. Sir said the knight they been the folk of the Emperor Charlemagne that is come for to besiege the Castle of Mountawban, and I am one of his knights that am come here for to speak with reynald from the king Charlemagne. Than the steward took the knight by the hand and led him before reynald the son of Aymon. And when the knight saw reynald: he made reverence to him and after said to him, reynald the Emperor Charlemagne sendeth to you word by me, that if you will yield yourself to his mercy, & give to him your brother Richard to do his will of him: he shall have mercy of you. And if ye will not do so: he shall do assault your Castle, and if he may take you by force: he shall make you for to be hanged, or die a cruel death.  
THan when reynald understood these tidings that Charlemagne sent to him: he began for to sm●le and said. Friend go tell the king that I am not the man that shall do any treason. For if I should do it, he himself should blame me for it. But and if it please him, my brethren. Mawgys and myself been at his commandment, and we shall give our se●f● to him as to our sovereign Lord, our l●ues save and our membres, and we shall yield to him the castle all at his will. And tell the king that he shall do well and wisely to take such five knights as we been. And if charlemain refuseth this: I have mine hope so fast to our Lord god that we shall not set moche by the king, nor of his great host. The messenger understood well the answer that reynald had done to him: and incontinent he returned to Charlemagne and showed to him all that reynald had said word by word. When the Emperor understood the words of reynald: he began for to think a good while, for he knew that reynald said but well, And than he sent for the Duke names and Ogier the Dane and said unto them. Lords, reynald sendeth me word that he shall do nothing after my will. And for this cause I will that the castle be assailed forthwith. Sir said the duke names me seemeth as I have understand the reynald offereth to you fair, and if ye will believe me: ye shall take him to mercy with his brethren. For ye know well that they been folk that may do to you good service. And if reynald be once in peace with you: ye shall be the better beloved and more dread therefore. But sith that your will cannot accord to the same: we may not do thereto. To assail the castle I counsel it not. For ye see that the Castle is fair and right strong, and reynald hath whym a good company of good men, and he and his brethren, & Mawgys been such knights as ye know, if ye do assail the castle: they shall issue out at the fauce posterns, and shall do to you so great a damage of your folk that ye shall be wroth for it, but and if ye will believe my counsel: ye shall besiege the Castle so nigh that no man shall not come out nor cutre in but he shallbe take, and thus ye shall mow have the Castle by famishing. For by no assault ye shall not have it.  
Charlemagne understood well these words and knew well that the duke names spoke well & wisely and said to him. I will that it be done thus as ye have devised it. And than he made cry through his host that every man should lodge himself even nigh by the Castle, and he himself commanded that his pavillion should be pight as nigh the gate as could be done. After this was cried ye should have seen with in a little while more than ten thousand pavilions round about the Castle of Mountawban. When the host was all lodged: rowland departed out of the host well with two thousand knights well armed & well horsed and all young men of prime berde, which were very frenshe born of the douce france, and went at the other side of Mountawban, in a place which is called Balancon where was a river great and deep, in the which was fish enough, and there he did pitch his pavilion. And so full he was of great pride: that he bade set the dragon above upon his pavilion, and did do make the lodgis of his fellows round about him And they were in such a ground where as they might see from thence the woods and the Rivers and all the country, and Mountawban that was upon the great roche well closed, & beheld the two great rivers, that is to wit Gyround and Dordone, that environed Mountawban.  
rowland saw the place so strong that he marveled greatly, & said to his folk. Lords I marvel me sore of this castle, & I marvel not if the four sons of Aymon make war against mine uncle Charlemagne sith that they have so good and so strong a place, for to withdraw themself. For I promise you that Mountawban shall never be taken of us, ye say not well said Oliver. For we took well by force Lezonne, & also we overthrew down the great tower and the dungeon of Sernoble, whereof I say that we shall well have Mountawban, And if reynald and his brethren come not and yield themself: they shallbe in danger of death. I promise you said rowland that they shall do nothing of that ye say. For I promise you that the gentle reynald shall make us so sore afeard that the most hardy would be at Paris. reynald is prue and courageous, and his brethren in likewise, and also they have within the castle many noble and worthy knights. Wherefore I say and I am of opinion, that as long as they have victual they shall never be taken. When the pavilion of rowland was dressed and pight up: rowland beheld the river and saw that it was full of birds, than he said to the bishop Turpyn and to the other Barons, See how we are lodged in a good place. Let us go in these Rivers to let flee our Falcons. Sir said the bishop Turpin, go in the name of God. Then lighted rowland on horseback and took with him well xxx knights, and no more. And they took their hawks, & road the most part of them upon mules all unarmed save their swords and came and sported them along the river side, & took many birds upon the water, in so great quantity that they jaded a horse withal, the bishop Turpyn and Ogyer, went not there but abode behind for to keep the host, and they were before the tents where they made two ancient knights to recount and tell how the great Troy was taken and destroyed, this hanging: was a spy in the host of king Charlemagne, that longed unto renawde, the which he had sent there for to know what they wrought, and how they did & all the feat of rowland, and incontinent the spy departed out of the host and went to reynald, and showed to him how rowland and Oliver were gone to sporting with their Hawks upon the river, and with them thirty of the best of the host.  
When the spy had recounted these tidings to reynald: he was of it right glad. Than he called his brethren & Mawgys his cousin, & told them how Roulande and Oliver and xxx of the best barons of Charlemagne were gone to hawking upon the rivers in the plain of Balancon. What ought we to do said reynald? Cousin said Mawgys we may well kill them if we will, for they been well proud & foolish, remember ye not well that a messenger told you a month a go that Charlemagne had left all old knights of his Realm, & had taken of the young, & that he had departed all Gascoigne to the young bachelors of France? And by this boban Rowland & Oliver been mounted into so great pride that they trow in all the world is no man that dare assail them nor look upon them angrily. But and if ye will believe me: I shall tell you such a thing, that shall make them wroth & sorry. And than reinawde made sown his horn the which men never herd swooned but that it was need, for when men heard it: every man ran to his arms for to arm him. And incontinent reynald and his brethren, and Mawgys made themself to be armed.  
And when they were all armed and well appareled: reynald lighted upon baiard his good horse, and spurred him with his spurs, so that he made him to leap well thirty foot of length. Ha good horse said reynald: how ye make yourself to be beloved. And how well I mistre you this day. Let us go assail these unhappy folk of the king Charlemagne of France, and make we by such a manner that we need not return twice, and thereof I pray you all.  
ANd when reynald saw that his folk was well appareled, he went out with his men at a false postern, that they of the host could not see them. And they were well in his company about four thousand well horsed and well armed, And a foster conducted them through the thickest of the forest, & reynald said to the foster, bring me thou into the host of Rowland without fail, the Foster answered to him that he would do it gladly. Than brought he them straight to Balancon. And when reynald saw the pavilions: he showed them to his folk, to whom he said, be hold what fair gain we have found here if we dare set upon them. Sir said his men, let us go to it hardly, for we durst well assail the devil, when ye be with us. ¶ Now shall I tell you of the bishop Turpin that was a bid to keep the host, whereof he had great fear because he wist well against whom he had a do, and had a great suspection and heaved up his head, & saw the Ravens & the Daws flee about upon the fortress. And from thence they took their flight over Rowlandes pavilion. And made great noise And so was he afeard, for he wend that it had be some evil token, and he beheld toward the woods that were great, and saw anon his enemies, whereof he was sore afraid that almost he was beside himself.  
Than he called Ogyer the Dane and said to him, free knight for gods love go arm yourself, and let our folk be armed, for here comen our enemies. Now been well rowland and Oliver gone for nought that are gone to the chase and have left their host thus in great danger. I believe that they shall not fail but they shall repent it sore. When Ogyer heard Turpyn speak in this manner: he was very sore an angered, so went he in his pavilion and made him to be armed incontinent for to move the host. And when that the frenchmen heard the trumpets blow: they put themselves in ordinance nobly. This hanging: Ogyer was armed and mounted upon his horse Brayforde, and found that a great part of them was armed and all ready. Than Ogier said to them Lords think to defend you well, for we been assailed.  
reynald was abashed when he saw the host that moved so: and said unto his folk, Lords we been discovered, but yet nevertheless let us go to it and assail them they answered that they were all ready for to do so. And when that Reinaud understood these words: he said unto Mawgys. Fair Cousin take a thousand knights, and abide here within this wood. And if ye see that we need of more help: come than and succour us. Gladly said Mawgys your commandment shallbe do one. And when that reynald had said so: he spurred baiard with his spurs, & went into the host, & passed the plain of Balancon, & the first that he recountered it was Emery the earl of Nicol, and smote him so that he showed his spear thorough the body of him and fell dead to the earth. Then said Reynawde ye shall abye the bargain. false glutton, ye did a great folly when ye came ever into Gascoigne And when that he had said thus: he set his hand to his sword. And began for to make so great occysyon of knights that none can tell it. And when reynald saw his enemies so strongly abashed: He began for to say, where is rowland and Oliver that so sore hath threatened me and my folk, and saying that we been traitors? But and they say so afore me: I should show to them that they say not well nor troth. When the bishop Turpyn understood this that reynald said: He said to reynald, ye neither say well nor troth, and than he spurred his horse with the spurs, and went against reynald, and gave each other so great strokes through their shields that they broke both their spears all in pieces. But neither of them fell down. And when reynald had broken his spear: he set his hand to his sword and gave so great a stroke with it to the Bishop Turpyn upon his helm that he made both the man and the horse to rele sore. And when reynald saw the bishop in the plight he said to him, father be ye the same Turpyn that praiseth yourself so sore? By my faith me seemeth it were better for you to be in some church to sing some mass then for to be here, weening to grieve me.  
THan when the bishop Turpyn understood the reproach that reynald made to him: he trowed well to have gone out of his mind for it. And set hands to his sword, & went upon reynald. And then was the host moved of one party and of the other. Shortly to speak: there were so many spears broken, so many a knight overthrown and so many horses dead: that it was great pity for to see. There was Ogyer the Dane that had his shield afore his breast, and his sword in his hand and sat upon Brayforde the which smote richard the brother of reynald so great a stroke: that his horse fell down to th'earth. When richard saw himself a ground: he rose up again quickly as a knight prue and valiant. And took his sword in his hand, and Ogier passed beyond for to follow his course and began to cry the banner saint Denis. When reynald saw his brother richard cast on ground: he was wroth for it. So spurred he his horse baiard, and went against Ogyer the dane, & Ogier against him. & gave each other great strokes upon their shields. reynald smote Ogyer by so great force that the horses girth nor the peytrell might not help But that Ogier must fall down saddle and all to the ground.  
When reynald saw Ogier at the earth: he took Brayforde by the bridle, and said to Ogier, ye have done evil for to have cast down my brother afore me, ye know that ye be of my lineage and my cousin nigh, ye should help and defend us against all men. And ye do worse than the other, whereof I say it is no deed of a cousin but of an enemi, nevertheless take your horse again upon such condition that ye shall do to me a pleasure at another time if I have need, the which thing God forbid, cousin said Ogyer ye speak as a good man, and promise you that if I fail of this, that ye say: god punish me for it, reynald yielded him again his horse, and held the styrop to Ogyer when he lighted again upon his horse brayforde. And wit it that Ogyer sich did much for Reynawd and yielded him again upon his reward at the roche mountbron, whereof he was rebuked of Charlemagne shamefully. When Ogier was set on his horse again: he set hand to his sword & entered among the thickest of the gaskins, & began to hue them so sore that he made them all to slay afore him. When Mawgis saw that all the battles were thus meddled together: he came out of the wood, and came to Balancon and put himself & his folk among the greatest prece and began to cleave and hue so hard heads legs and arms, that none durst abide long afore him. And than the frenshmen were so sore and weary that they might no more and were all discomfited at the passage of the river, than they did put themself to flight, and the gaskins chased them all beating a long mile, & after returned to the host, and took all the havoyr that they found there, and Mawgis came to the pavilion of Rowland and took the dragon of gold that was set upon the said pavilion, and they passed through Balancon, and so returned to Mountawban with great joy. And when they were come: there they disarmed themself & eat right well. For they had well mister thereof. When they had caten at their ease: Reinaud made bring the boty afore him. And after dealt it among his folk. And keep to him no● one penny. When Reinawd had thus departed all this goods: Mawgis went upon the great tower of Mountawban. And did set the dragon of Rowland upon the same, so that the folk of choste of both sides of the castle might see it. And when Charlemagne saw the dragon upon the tower of ●ountawban: he wend that Rowland his nephew had taken Mountawban by force, but the thing went well otherwise. For Reinaud and his brethren had discomfited all the folk of Rowland and had brought with them all their havoir and the dragon of the said Rowland they had set upon the tower of Mountawban.   

❧ How Reynawd and his brethren were betrayed and sold to the king charlemain by the king yond of gascoyn that sent them in the plain of valcolors all without arms but their swords, and were mounted upon mules, and were clothed with mantles of scarlet furred with ermine. Fro the which they escaped by the will of god, but they suffered much pain and great travail, for they were greatly hurt and sore wounded, but of the king Charlemains party abode there dead Folques of Moryllon and many other barons and worthy knights, whereof the king charlemain was wroth and sorry. ❧ Capitulum ix   depiction of a group of un-armoured men on horseback 
NOw must we tell of Rowland and of Oliver, that came again fro hawking upon the rivers with their fellows, and beseeming they were right glad that they had so well chased and taken a great quantity of birds, and thus as they came again: they met with damp Rambault the free knight that told them by a great anger, ye have taken many birds see that ye be good merchants & sell your proy well. For I promise you ye shall never sell your chase and hawking so dear as it hath cost you. And if ye have taken birds: I let you wit that Reinaud & his brethren have taken knights, and horses, and when ye see your dragon upon the great tower of Mountawban, ye ought well to be than glad & thank much thereof the four sons of Aimon. For all though that seen it set there of an height: they ween that ye have gotten the castle by force. When Rowland understood these words: it lacked little that he went out of his mind, he lighted down from his mule, and set himself upon a stone, and begun to think and muse sore, and so did Oliver in like wise, and when rowland had thought enough: he called to him the bishop Turpyn, Ogier the dane, & Richard of Normandye and said to them. For god fair lords what counsel give you me upon this deed? For I dare never moat find myself before my uncle the king Charlemagne, for I fear me to sore of evil report and that men tell of me otherwise than the troth. And he said to the bishop Turpyn. For gods love good father in god give me leave to depart, for I would go into the holy land to see the sepulture of our lord for to war there against the Saracens For sith this my shape is thus come to me: I will no more bear arms against christian men. Sir said the bishop Turpyn, be not dismayed for nothing, for this is but an use of war, such a thing befalleth often to many one, I promise you that ye shall have or three days been past: as many of the folk of reynald as he hath of yours. Sir said rowland ye give me good courage and I promise you that to your prudence I shall arrest myself. When Rowland had said these words: the bishop Turpyn & Ogier did so much that they made him ●ight a horseback and they went together all toward charlemain, & wit that after rowland came more than a hundred young gentlemen all a foot by cause they had lost their horses, and when they were come to thost of Charlemagne: they went straight to the pavillion of the duke Naimes, and when Rowland entered within he was ashamed and abode there two days that he came not out, & durst not go to the court nor look no man in the face but held himself in the said pavillyon as a man all abashed of the great sorrow that he had at his heart. When Rowland & Oliver was thus abiden in the duke names tent, this hanging: Turpyn came toward king Charlemagne in his rent. Where he entered within & saluted the king right honourably, and the emperor rendered to him his sau●e, and after said to him. Damp bishop ye be welcome. Sir said Turpyn god be your keeper, & I beseech you to pardon me, if I tell you any thing that shall displease you. Now tell har●●●y said the king what ye will. For nothing that ye can tell, can not displease me. Sir said the bishop Turpyn, wit that the four sons of Aymon have discomfited us. And have take with them all that we had in our tents, both horses and harness and all our pavilions and namely the dragon of Rowland beside a great m●iny prisoners, and they have slain the most party of our folk.  
THan when the emperor understood this that Turpyn had told him: he was a long while as a man all forcened. And than he swore saint Denys by great anger, and said. Now have ye found that ye went telling & the great pride that ye had ye have well found. At this hour he did send through all his host by express words: that every lord and baron should come incontinent afore him in his tent for he would keep parliament with them. When the princes knew that commandment of the king: ye should have seen them come with great haste toward the king, and when they were all assembled within the kings pavilion: he stood upon his feet & said to them in this manner. Lords I have sent for you for to show unto you tha● to us is happened of new. Now wi● that the four sons of Aimon have discomfited all your knights that rowland my nephew had with him at Balancon, whereof I am right wroth and sorry, for I would I had lost a greater thing, and that this were not happened, but a thing that can not be amended: must be suffered and borne as well as men may, I require and beseech you all my lords and friends upon the oath that ye have made to me: that ye will counsel me truly how I shall be ruled in this matter, and how I might have this Castle of Mountawban, when the king had thus spoken: there was none so hardy that ever durst say one word but only the Duke names of Bavier the pr●e and wise knight. Sir said the Duke names, ye ask counsel for to besiege Mountawban, but no man that hath any reason in his head: ought not to counsel you the same, for why the danger is there great because that Guynard the lord of Berne knoweth of it, and so doth Godfray the Lord of Poycy that are good knights and sore dread for their worthiness, and also the king yond that is at tholouse, the which shall come all to help and succour Reinawd: by cause they be of his alliance, and also they know that he is one of the best knights of the world. And they know well also that Reynawd giveth to us much to done, and so I tell you if they see themself together: they shall give you enough to do, and shall may bear to you a great damage. But and ye will have good counsel, and believe me: I shall give it to you truly. Sir send word to king yond, that he withdraw not nor keep your enemies within his land, but that he yield them in to your hands for to do with them your pleasure and your commandment. And if he will not do so: ye shall destroy all his land and no mercy ye shall have upon him. names said the king, now give you me good counsel, and I will that ye have said: be done incontinent. Than the king made come an herald of his, and said to him. Now go lightly to Tholouse, and tell king yond on my behalf that I am entered in to Gascoigne accompanied of the twelve peers of France with an hundred thousand fighting men, and with rowland, and Oliver, and tell him that by saint Denys of france if he yield me not my enemies, that been the four sons of Aymon: that I shall waste and destroy all his land, nor to him shall abide neither city nor Castle, but it shall be over thrown to the earth. And if I can take him: I shall take from him his crown, so shall he be called king overthrown. Sir said the herald your commandment I shall do without varying of one word, even as your good grace pleaseth to command me, and thus departed the herald from the host of Charlemagne, and took his way toward Tholouse, there he found the king yond of Gascoyn in his palace with a right fair company, & assoon that he saw the king: he knew him well, so made he than to him the reverence, and said to him in the emperors behalf the thing word by word whereof he was sent there.  
ANd when the king yond understood the herald that spoke so: he bowed his head toward the earth, and began to think a long while, and said not a word. And when he had thus long mused enough: he said to the messenger. Good friend ye must carry here a seven night I pray you, and than I shall tell you my will, and what I purpose to do. Sir said the herald I shall abide with a good will sith that it please you. Than went the king yond in to his chamber and eight earls with him, and commanded that the doors should be well sheet, and than they set them all upon a bench. And when they were all set: the king yond took the word and said in this manner. Lords I beseech and require upon the faith that ye own to me that ye give me good counsel to the honour of me, not at my will: but by reason. Now wit it that the king Charlemagne is entered within my land with the twelve peers of France, and rowland and Oliver, with an hundred thousand men. And he sendeth to me word, but if I deliver unto him the four sons of Aimon: he shall not leave me neither city nor town, but he shall cast all to chearth and shall take the crown fro my head, and so shall I becalled a king overthrown. My father held never nothing of him and no more shall I, it is better to die with great worship: than to live in great shame.  
THan when the king you had thus spoken: there rose up a knight named Godfraye that was nephew to king yond and said to him, sir I marvel me that ye ask counsel for to betray such knights as been the four sons of Aimon, Reinaud is your man and your carnal friend, ye know what good he hath done to you and to your land. It is not long a go that he discomfited Marcyl the puissant Saracen and chased him well four mile, and smote of his head and presented it to you, and ye have promised and sworn to him that ye shall defend and keep him him against all men. Mine uncle if ye think to fail him and will not hold that ye have promised to him: let him and his brethren go out of your land in to some other country to seek their adventure. And haply they shall serve some lord that shall do to them more good than ye will do, and also I pray you my dear lord and uncle as much as I can: that ye will do nothing that turneth you to blame, nor to dishonour, nor that can be cast by manner of reproach toward your friends. Than spoke the old earl of Ansom and said. Sir ye will that we give you counsel, if ye will do that we shall counsel you: ye shall do well for yourself. Now say on hardly said the king that seemeth you best to be do, for I will do as ye shall counsel me. Sir said the earl ye have well heard say, and so it was troth, that Benes slew the earl Lohier, wherefore Charlemagne sent for him and made his head to be smitten of at Paris, and at that time Reinawd and his brethren were very young, and of them was none mention made. And afterward when they were great: the king would amend it to them. For the thing toucheth them, but they had the heart so fell that they would take none amends, and lasted their hate long, whereof ever sith hath come great harms and evils. For reynald slew Berthelot the nephew of the king with a chess board, sir I know not why I should hide any thing fro your knowledge, ye know well that Charlemagne is so mighty a king that he never undertook wan● but he came to his above of it. Wherefore I do give you counsel that ye yield Reinaud and his brethren and Mawgis to the king Charlemagne, and thus shall ye be delivered of a great thought, and of a great danger. And after this: spoke the earl of Mobandes and said, sir if ye will do this that the earl of Ansom counseilleth you: ye and we shall be traitors. For Reynawd is your man, and so much ye have loved him that ye have given him your sister to his wife. And when he came in these marches, he came not like a knave: but he came to you as a noble knight prue and worthy. For he brought in his fellowship four thousand men well armed and well horsed, and said to you afore us all orever he took of his spurs, that he had war with the king Charlemagne. Nevertheless ye received him with good heart, and after made of him at your wil And for you he conquested many batailles, & did so much that he delivered you from the hands of your enemies. And therefore sir I tell you that ye be not worthy to call yourself, ne to bear the crown upon your head: if for fear of death ye betray such knights as are the four sons of Aymon. For ye have not yet lost neither Castle nor town, & if ye do it otherwise: ye shall be taken and holden for a traitor. After spoke Anthony the old earl & said to the king. Sir believe not this counsel, for such counsel he giveth you now whereof ye shall be betrayed at the last. For I know better than tent of Reinaud than any man that is here, ye must understand sir that Reynawd was son to a man that had but one town, and was so proud that he deigned to serve nor obey his lord the king of France but slew Berthelot by his great pride and outrage. Wherefore the king Charlemagne chased him out of the realm of France. Now it is happened so that he is in Gascoigne, and ye have given to him great lands, and because he hath your sister to wife: he is become so proud that none may dure afore him. And he setteth not a penny neither by you nor by your court. Wherefore I swear to you by the head that I bear, if he may by any wise he shall take the life from you for to have all the realm to himself. Wherefore I advise to you by rightwise counsel: that ye yield him and his brethren to Charlemagne. And ye shall do as a wise king, and so shall you pease the great wrath of the king Charlemagne of France. After spoke the duke Guymarde of Bayon and said to the king. Sir I tell you that the earl Anthony lieth falsely, and giveth you evil counsel, for reynald as son to the duke Aimon of Ardeine, which is of right great lineage. And Charlemagne made to slay the duke Benes of Aygremount their uncle by great wrong, and Reynawd took thereof vengeance upon Berthelot by good reason, and that more is: it was his body defending. Whereof I tell you that no king is not worthy to bear any crown nor to have honour that will do treason for threatening of another lord. And after spoke Humarb an old knight and said. By god Guymard I believe that ye have los● your wit, to counsel the king you for to bear out Reinawd, against the great king Charlemagne, for to make all the land of Gascoigne for to be destroyed, whereof ye should care but little, if the realm were wasted and the king brroughte to shame, so that ye had laud and praising. Than said Guimard thou liest falsely, and if we two were in an other place than here: I should show thee that thou were an old dotard and a fool. For I would not counsel the king yond, but all thing that concerneth his honour, and profit also of his realm.  
AFter spoke one named sir hector, an ancient earl & said to the king. Sir ye ask council of such that can not counsel themself. For it is all otherwise then Guymarde saith. And I ensure you that if ye lose in this matter: he shall lose thereby nothing. Sir ye know that reynald is a knight good enough. But by his great pride: he hath made war with Charlemagne For he slew Berthelot his nephew by his outrage. Now he is come in Gascoigne, and ye have given him your sister in marriage, whereof ye did great folly, and ye made him the castle of Mountawban upon the strongest ground that is within your realm. Now is come the king Charlemagne that hath besieged him, wherefore I counsel you that ye accord with the king Charlemagne, and deliver yourself of Reynawd as son as ye may. For it is better that ye lose four knights, than all your realm, take from him your sister and give her to another that is a greater gentleman than is Reinaud, and that have no such enemies as is Charlemagne, and find some means to yield reynald and his brethren to the king Charlemagne. And this ye shall well may do without blame if ye will do that I shall counsel you. Friend said the king yond. I am ready to do that which ye shall counsel me above all other that been here  
THan when the king yond of Gascoigne saw that the most party of his counsel accorded to that he should yield Reinaud and his brethren to king Charlemyane he began to weep right tenderly, and said in himself that no body could here it, by god Reinawd I am sore charged for you, now shall depart my love for you, for ye shall lose the body, & I shall lose thereby the love of god & of his mother, for I shall never find mercy in him, for to be trey such a knight as ye be. But I tell you that GOD showed that day for Reinaud a fair miracle, for the chamber where the counsel was kept that was all white: changed colour & became all black as a coal. Lords said the king yond, I see well that I must yield the four sons of Aimon, sith that the most part of you accordeth thereto, and I shall do it, sith that that ye council me so. But I wots well that my soul shall never have thereof no pardon. And shall be therefore taken all my life as a judas, and than they left the counsel, and went out of the chamber. And when the king was come out of the chamber: he set him down upon a bench, and began to think sore. And as he was in this thought: he began for to weep sore for great pity that he had. And when he had thought and wept enough: he called his secretary, and said to him. Come forth sir Peter and write a letter from me to the king Charlemagne, as I shall tell you. It is that I send him salutation with good love. And if he will leave me my land in peace: I promise him that afore ten days been passed. I shall deliver unto him the four sons of Aymon and he shall find them in the plain of Valcolours, clothed with scarlet, futred with ermines, and riding upon mules, beating in their hands flowers, and Roses for a token, for because that men shall better know them. And I shall make them for to be accompanied of eight earls of my realm, and if they scape from him: that he blame me not for it. Than said the secretory, sir your commandment shall be done, the which took anon pen and ink and wrote the letters word for word as the king had devised to him. And when they were written and sealed: the king called his steward and said to him. Now make you ready on horseback, and go to the siege of Mountawban, and recomende me unto the king Charlemagne, and give him these letters. And tell him if he will quite my land: I shall do this that is of reason, and none otherwise. Sir said the steward I shall gladly do your commandment, doubt not for it, than went the steward in his house, and made him ready on horseback, and road out of Tholouse, and took the herald of the king Charlemagne with him. And when they were come unto Mountawban: they found the Emperor Charlemagne in his pavillion, where the steward lighted down, and went within and saluted the king Charlemagne fro the king yond of Gascoygn, and presented him the letters fro his behalf, and said unto him. Right mighty Emperor the king yond sendeth you word by me that if ye will ensure his land: he shall fulfil the tenor of this letter, and otherwise he will not.  
When Charlemagne understood these tidings: he was right glad, he took the letter of the messenger, and called rowland to him & Oliver, the bishop Turpyn, the duke names. Ogier the dane, and the xii peers of France, and said to them. Fair lords be not displeased, go out of this pavillyon, for I will talk with this messenger privily. Sir said they all with a good will. And than they went all out of the pavilion, and when they were all gone: Charlemagne opened the letters and red them all along. And he found therein that which he most desired in this world, that was the treason as it was ordained, when Charlemagne had read the letter: he might be no gladder than he was. And of the great joy that he had of it he began to smile. Sir said the steward if ye see ought in the letter that pleaseth you not: blame not me for it. For I know not yet what it is. Than said Charlemagne to the steward. Your lord the king yond speaketh full courteously, and if he do that he doth me to wit: he shall be well my good friend. And so shall I do to him great worship, and shall make him a great man, and also I shall defend him against all men. Sir said the steward of this that ye say: ye shall give me sureties if it please you. Than said Charlemagne, I will do so gladly. This I swear upon the son of the virgin Mary and also upon saint Denis of France whose man I am. Sir ye have said all enough answered the messenger of king yond, and none other surety I ask of you.  
THan Charlemagne called his chamberlain & said to him make a letter to king yond of gascoyne in my behalf, as I shall devise it unto you. Wryt that I send him salutation and good love, and that it he doth for me as he saith I shall increase his realm with fourteen good castles and thereof I give him for surety our lord and saint denys of France, and that I send him four manteles of scarlet furred with ermines, for to cloth withal the traitors, when they shall go to the plain of valcolors, and there they shall be hanged if god will, and I will not that any other have harm, but only the four sons of Aimon. Sir said the chambrelain, your commandment shall be well done, and than he made the letters, as th'emperor had devised him. And when he had made them: the emperor charlemain sealed them, and after he called the messenger afore his presence, and said to him. Hold these letters and take them to king yond from me, and recommend me to him. And than he did give him ten mark of gold and a King that he took of his finger. Whereof the messenger thanked him much humbly, and incontinente lighted on horseback, and when he was arrived: he salved the king yond of Gascoyn from king Charlemaine's behalf and took him the letters and the mantles as Charlemagne had commanded him.  
THan when the messenger of the king yond was gone Charlemagne made come afore him Foulques of Moryllon, and Ogier the dane, and said to them. Lords I have sent for you. For I will that ye two know a little of my secrets. But I tell you upon your faith that none other shall know the same but only we us three unto the time that the deed be accomplished. Sir said Ogier if ye think that we should discover your secret: tell it us not And if ye trust us: declare hardly your pleasure. Certes said the emperor to Ogier, ye be well worthy to know all, for I know you for a good and a trusty knight. Sir said Ogier your good gcamercy. But I tell you that I will not know nothing thereof, but that ye take first mine oath thereupon. Lords said Charlemagne I take it. Now shall ye go to the plain of Valcolours with three hundred knights well armed, and when ye shall come there: ye shall find the four sons of Aimon. And thus I command you that ye bring them to me other dead or quick, Sir said Ogier I saw them never but armed, how shall we know them? Ogier said Charlemagne ye shall well may know them. For each of them shall be clothed with a mantel of scarlet furred with ermines and shall bear roses in their hands.  
Sir said Ogier that is a good token, and we shall do your commandment. They made none other tarrying but departed from the host of the king Charlemagne as privily as they might do. And road to the plain of Valcolours, and put themself in a bushment within a wood all of serpyn trees, unto the time that the four sons of Aimon came to the plain of valcolors. Ha god why knew not reynald and his brethren this mortal treason? for they would not have come there upon mules: But they should have come there upon good horses, and well armed, as prue and worthy knights that they were. But & god had not remedied it: this reynald and his brethren should have been so one taken in a little space, for they were in danger of death. When Ogyer the dane & Foulques of Moryllon were in their ambushment: Foulques called his folk and said to them. Fair lords I ought well to hate reynald, for he slew mine uncle by great wrong. Now am I come to the point that I shall be avenged on him, and I shall tell you how. Now wit it that the king you of Gascoyn hath betrayed them and they shall come hither anon all unarmed safe their swords. And therefore I pray you all that ye think to smite well upon them, then shall I know who loveth me best. Do so that none of them scape, and ye shall be well my good friends, and I shall love you well.  
NOw shall we tell you of the king yond that was at Tholouse. When he had received the letters of the king Charlemagne: he called to him his secretary Godras and said to him. Look what this letter sayeth. And the clerk broke in continent the seal, and beheld the tenor of the letter, and found how reynald and his brethren should be betrayed and livered to the death, & when the clerk had red the letter: he began to weep sore tenderly, and if it had not be for doubt of the king: he would gladly have uttered it, and when king yond saw his secretary weep: he said thus to him, keep well upon your life that ye hide nothing fro me, but tell me all that the letter containeth and what the king Charlemagne writeth to me. By my faith said Godras. It is a sore thing for to rehearse. Now lightly said the king yond, tell me what the king Charlemagne sendeth me, sir said Godras, I shall tell it you gladly. And than he began to show to king yond how Charlemagne sent him word, that if he would do as he had written unto him: he should increase his power of fourteen good castles more than he had. For the surety whereof: he sweareth it unto you upon our lord god, and saint denys of France his patron. And he sendeth you four mantles of scarlet furred with ermines, that ye shall give to the four sons of Aymon, for to were them, & thus they shall be known. For Charlemagne will not that none take any harm, but only the four sons of Aimon. And he doth you wit that his folk are with in a ambushment within a wood by the plain of Valcolours, that is to wit Foulques of Moryllon and Ogier the dane, with three hundredth men well horsed and well armed that abiden there four sons of Aimon, the which ye should deliver in to their hands. When the king yond understood the tenor of the letter: he made haste for to fulfil his promise. And incontinent he lighted on horseback, and took in his company a hundred men well arrayed, and took his way toward Mountawban. And as soon as he might: he came & entered with in at the gate fletcher.  
And when he was within: he made his folk to lodge them in the borrow And he went up to the palace as he was wont to do when he came there. Then when his sister the wife of Reinawd wist of the coming of the king yond her brother: she came against him and took him by the hand, & would have kissed him as she was accustomed to do when he came there, but the king full of evil treason turned his face a side, and said he had the tooth ache, and would not speak with her but little. But he said that men should make him a bed ready. For he would rest himself a little And when he was laid: he began sore to think, and said to himself. Ha good lord, what have I wrought against the best knights of the world that I have betrayed so falsely. Now shall they be hanged to morrow without fault. I pray god to have mercy and pity upon them? Now may I well say that I shall be likened to judas from hence forth, and I shall have lost the love of god and of his mother, and also mine honour. But I must needs do it sith I have promised it so, and the will of my barons is such, for thus they have counseled and have made me do it. Whereof I am full sore displeased.  
ALL thus as the king yond thought in the great treason that was thus machyned upon the four sons of Aymon: there came in Reinaud from hunting, & all his brethren with him, and had taken four wild bores sore great, and when Reinaud was within Mountawban: he heard the noise of the horses and wend that it had been strange knights that were come unto him to take wagis. And than he asked of a yeoman what folk were these straungeres that were come in without leave? Sir said the yeoman they been the folk of king yond that is come within for to speak with you of some matters. But me seemeth by his folk that he is not well at ease of his person.  
THan said the good Reinawd. Ha God why hath my lord traveled himself so much for to come hither? For I would with a good will have gone to him. And after when he had that said: he called to him a servant of his and said to him, go fet me my horn Boudiere. For I will make feast and joy for the coming of my sovereign lord, and incontinent it was brought to him, and reynald took it and said to his brethren, Now take each of you his own and let us make feast for the love of king yond. Than they took each of them his horn and began to sown all four at one's right high, and made so great noise that the castle swooned of it. For they made so great joy for the love of king yond that it was marvel. When the king yond heard the trumpets that thus swooned so sore that the chamber where as he lay shook of it: he arose up from the bed and came to the window, and said to himself. Ha what evil have I wrought against these knights? Alas how make ye joy against so great a cumbrance the which I have purchased to you? I have betrayed you right falsely, as a wicked and untrue king that I am. For a man that betrayed his friend: ought never to have honour neither in this world nor in the other but ought to be lost both body and soul. For he hath forsaken god: and hath given himself to the devil. And when he had said that: he returned again upon his bed sore vexed at the heart and evil at ease more than any man might be. Than reynald and his brethren came up to the palace, where they found the king yond, and when he saw them come: he rose against them, and took them by the hand and said to Reinawd. Be not marveled that I have not embraced nor kissed you: for I am sore laden with great evil. And it is well fourteen days gone that I could neither eat nor drink any thyng● that did me good. Than said Reynawd sir ye be in a good place where ye shall be tended upon right well with god's grace. And I and my brethren shall serve you to our power, gramercy said the king yond. Than called he his steward and said to him. Go and bring me the mantles of scarlet furred with ermines that I have done make for my dear friends. Incontinente the steward did the commandment of king yond. And as soon that he was come again: the king made the four brethren to put the four mantles upon them, and prayed them to were them for his love. Sir said Alarde this is a glad present and we shall were them for the love of you with very good will. Alas if they had known how the thing was brought about, they should not have borne them, but they should have done all otherwise. Alas and what sorrowful harm they had of this, that they were thus clothed. For that were the tokens and recognyssaunce whereof they were in danger of death, if god had not helped them of his pity and mercy. And when the four sons of Aimon had their mautelles on: the king yond beheld them, and had of them great pity, and began to weep There was his steward that the ●rayson well witted, that said not one word for ●ere of king yond. And when the meet was ready: reynald prayed much the king that he would eat. For he made him to be served right well. When they had eaten: the king yond rose upon his feet, and took Reynawde by the hand, and said to him. My fair brother & my friend. I will tell a counsel that ye know not. Now wit that I have be at Mountbenden, and I have spoken with king Charlemagne the which charged me of treason, by cause that I keep you in my realm, whereof I have presented my gage afore all his company, and no man was there so hardy that durst speak against that, that I said. After this we had many words together, among which we spoke of good accord and of peace, whereof at the last the king Charlemagne was content for my love for to make peace with you, in the manner that followeth. That is to were that to morrow early ye shall go to the plain of valcolors ye and your brethren all unarmed but of your swords mounted upon your mules, and clothed with the mantles that I have given to you, and that ye shall bear in your hands Roses and flowers, and I shall send with you eight of mine earls for to go more honourably, the which been all of my lineage. And there ye shall find the king Charlemagne, and the duke names of havyere, and Ogyer the Dane, and all the twelve Peres of France, and there Charlemagne shall give you surety. And ye shall do to him reverence in such manner that ye shall cast yourself to his feet and there he shall pardon, you, and he shall give you again all your lands entirely.  
THan said Reinaud, sir for gods mercy. For I have great doubt of the king Charlemagne by cause he hateth us to death as ye know. And I promise you it he holdeth us he shall make us to die a shameful death. Good friend said the traitor king yond, have ye no doubt at al. For he hath sworn unto me upon his faith afore all his barony. Sir answered reynald we shall do your commandments. Ha God said Alarde. What say you my brother? ye know well that king Charlemagne hath made his oath many times that if he may take us once by any manner of mean: he shall bring us to a shameful death. Now I marvel me greatly of you fair brother, how ye will accord for to go put yourself and us in to his hands, all unarmed as a poor mischaunte. Never have god mercy upon my soul, if I go there without mine arms, nor without to be as it appertaineth, brother said Reinawd ye say not well. God forbid that I should mistrust my lord the king yond of any thing that he telleth me. And than he turned him toward the king yond and said to him. Sir without any fault we shall be there to morrow early in the morning, whatsoever happeth of it. Fair lords said Reynawde god hath helped us well that we have peace with the king Charlemagne to whom we have made so long time so mortal a war, but sith that my Lord the king you hath made this peace: I am content to do to him as much reverence as to me is possible. For I am delivered to go naked in my small linen clothes to the Mountesaynt Michael. And when Reinawd had said this word: he took leave of king yond and went in to the chamber of the fair lady his wife, & found there his other two brethren that were with her, & when the lady saw her husband come: she came against him and took him between both her arms by great love and kissed him Lady said reynald I ought well to love you by great reason. For your brother the king you hath travailed him self right sore for me, and hath be sore blamed at the court of Charlemagne for me, but he hath done so much blessed be god that he hath made my peace with the king Charlemagne. And that Rowland and Oliver. Nor all the twelve Peers of france might never make: he hath granted us again all our lands. And all thus we shall be rich, and shall live all our life in rest & peace, & so shall we mow help, and give the havoir that we have unto the poor knights that have served all their life truly and well.  
THan said the lady. I thank god greatly thereof with all my heart. But tell me where the concordance shall be made, and hide it not from me if it please you. Lady said reynald I shall tell it you without any fault. Wit that to morrow we must ride to the plain of Valcolours, & there the peace shall be made but I and my brethren must go thither without arms but only our swords, and upon mules, bearing roses in our hands. And there we shall find the duke names of bauyere & Ogyer the Dane & all the xii Peers of France, that shall receive oaths, when the lady understood these words: she was so sore an angered thereof that almost she had lost her wit, and said to reynald. Sir if ye will believe me. ye shall not go one foot there. For the plain of Valcolours are so dangerous, for there is a roch right high, and there been four  woods round about, if ye will believe me ye shall take a day for to speak with Charlemagne here in the meadows of Mountawban, & ye shall go there mounted upon bayard and your brethren with you, & there ye may confirm your peace, or else continue your war & take two thousand knights and give them to Mawgis your cousin which shall keep them in a bushment upon the rivage, if it hap you to have need, for I doubt me sore of treason, wherefore I pray you that ye keep yourself well sure. For I did dream to night a dream that was fearful & marvelous, for me seemed that I was at the windows of the great palace, and saw come out of the great wood of arden well a thousand wild bores, that had great and horrile reeth, the which flew you and rented your body all in pieces, and also I saw that the great tower of Mountawban fell down to the ground, & moreover I saw a shot of adventure, that smote your brother Alarde so hard that it pierced his body through and through, and that the chapel of Saint Nycolas which is within this castle fell down to the earth, and all the images that been in it wept for great pit. And the two angels came down from heaven that hanged your brother Richard at an apple tree, and then the said Richard cried with an high voice. Fair brother Reynawd come and help me, and Incontinente ye went there upon your horse bayard, but he fell down by the way under you, wherefore ye mightht not come time enough, whereof ye were full sorry. & therefore good sir I counsel you that ye go not there.  
Lady said reynald hold your peace, for who that believeth over much in dreams: he doth against the commandment of God. Than said Alarde by the faith that I own to god. I shall never set foot there, nor I neither said richard, Alas said than guichard, if we must go there: let us not depart thitherward as men of council: but let us go there like as prue and worthy knights, having each of us his arms upon him & well & horseback & not upon mules: on that our brother Reinaud he well mounted upon baiarde, which shall may bear us all four at a need, by god said Reynawd ye shall say what ye will, but I shall go there as I have said what so ever happeth, and than he went out of his chamber & came to king yond, and said to him. By god I marvel me much of my brethren, that will not go with me, because they have no horses with them, and if it please you ye shall give us leave to take each of us a horse & ye shall keep still your eight earls with you, and we shall go there as ye have commanded us, I will not do it said the king you, for the king Charlemagne doubteth you to sore and your brethren and your horses, & also I have given hostages & suretes that ye shall bear no manner of harness with you, but only your swords as I have told you afore, and that ye shall ride upon mules, & not upon horses. And if ye go there otherwise arrayed: Charlemagne shall think that I will betray him, and so shall he destroy all my land, that shall be the payment that I shall have for you, I have traveled myself full sore for to bring you and your brethren at one with Charlemagne, & therefore go there if ye will, and if ye will not: leave it.  
Than said Reinawd, sir sith that it is so: we shall go there. And than he went from king yond in to his chamber again, and found his wife that noble lady, Alard and Richard that asked him how he had done, & if they should have his good horse bayard with them? By God said Reinaud I can not have leave to do so, but my brethren doubt you not, for the king yond is a true prince, and if he should betray us: he should be sore blamed for it, for he shall make us to be conducted by eight of the most great earls of his realm, & god confound me if I saw ever any evil done by him. Sir said his brethren we shall go gladly with you, sith that ye will have us needs to do so. When they were thus accorded hereto: they went to bed & slept unto the day appeared, and when reynald saw the day: he rose up and said to his brethren. Arise sits and make us ready for to go there as we should go, For if Charlemagne be sooner to the plains of valcolours than we: he shall haply be angry for it. Sir said his brethren, we shall soon be ready, & when they were all ready, they went to the church of saint Nycolas for to hear mass, & when it came to the offering: reynald & his brethren offered many rich gifts. And after the mass was done: they asked after their mules & incontinent they mounted upon, & in their fellowship were eight earls, the which knew all the manner of treason. & when they were all mounted they took on their way but the four sons of Aymon were good to know by the other, for they had on great mantles of scarlet turred with ermines, & bare in their hands roses in token of peace & also their swords for they would not gird them. Now god be with them, for if he keep them not: they been in way of perdition & never to come again to Mountawban. when the king yond saw them thus go: he fell down in a swount more than four times, for the great sorrow that he had at his heart, for how be it that he had betrayed them so: yet had he great pity of them, but this that he had done. evil council had made him do it. And than he be: 'gan to make the greatest sorrow in the world, & said, ha good lord what have I done? did ever man so great treason as I have done? nay verily for I have betrayed the best knights of the world, and the most worthy and true.  
THan said his folk. Sir ye do not well to make such a sorrow, for reynald is very wise & he shall it perceive right soon. Ha god said the king yond, were it as ye say, for I should be more glad than if I had won ten of the best cities of France, for reynald is my friend and my brother. Ha Mawgys how shall ye be sorry when ye shall know this matter. reynald did great folly, when he took not your advise in this thing, for if he had known of it: ye should not have suffered him to go there. Lords said the king yond I poor wretch, whether shall I become, if the four sons of Aymon di●? for Mawgis shall slay me without mercy, and also it is well reason, for who that betrayeth another and principally his friend carnal: ought not to live nor have ever any worship, but his folk took him up incontinente and began to recomfort him by many great reasons that they laid afore him.  
NOw beginneth the piteous history of the four sons of Aimon that went to their death by the means of the traitor king yond. And because of the treason that he committed against the four sons of Aymon: he lost the realm of gascoygne the name & the dignity thereof, for never sith that time was no king crowned in Gascoigne. Now shall I tell you of reynald and of his brethren, than toad reynald and his brethren toward the plain of Valcolours, and as they toode thitherwardi Alarde began to sing right sweetly and joyful a new song, and guichard and Richard did in likewise, but I tell you that no instrument of music swooned never so melodyouslye as the three brethren did singing together, alas what pity was it of so noble and so worthy knights that went singing and making joy to their death, they were as the swan that singeth that year that she shall die, Reynawd went behind them sore thinking, his head bowed down toward the earth, and beheide his brethren that road forth making great joy, and he said, o god what knights be my brothers that there been none such in all the world, neither so gracious? And when he had said this: he set his hands together and heaved them up toward heaven all weeping, and said in this manner, good lord by thy glorious and blessed name that didst cast daniel out fro the lions, & delivered jonas fro the fishes belly and saved saint Peter when he cast himself from the sea for to come to the & pardoned Mary magdalene, & and made the blind to see, & suffered passion & death upon the cross for our sins, & pardoned Longyus that smote thee with a spear in to thy blessed side, wherefrom thy blessed blood fell in to his eyen, and incontinent he recovered his sight thereby, and by thy resurrection, keep this day my body if it please the fro death and from prison, and also my brethren for I wot not where that we go, but me seemeth that we go in great peril. And when he had finished his orison: his eyen waxed were again for pity that he had, lest his brethren should have any harm for love of him. For it pleased him not well, that they were so bare of their arms.  
THan when Alarde saw his brother reynald that had his eyen full of tears, he said to him Ha brother what aileth you I have sen you in right great peril & about a hard work, but I saw you never make so ill cheer as ye do now, for I have seen you weep at this hour. where of I marvel me greatly, for I wots well for certain that ye weep not without some great occasion. Than said reynald. Fair brother me aileth nothing. By the faith that I own to you said Alarde ye weep not for nothing. This is the day that we should be at one with king Charlemagne, so pray I you for god my dear brother that ye leave this sorrow, & let us go forth mereli and bear out a good face as long as we been alive, for after that a man is one's deceased it is no more spoken of him. And this I pray you brethren that ye sing with us. For ye have so fair a voice that it is a great pleasure for to hear you sing, when ye be willing to it. Brother said Reinawde with a good will, sith that it pleaseth you. And than began reynald for to sing so melodiousli: that it was a great pleasure for to hear him. So long road the four sons of Aymon the little pace of their mules, singing and devisnge among themself: that they came to the plain of Valcolours. ❧ Now will I tell you of the fashion of the valley, for wit that if I telled you not: ye should not may know it. There is a roch right high & noyous to go up, & it is environed round about with four great forests right great & thick, for the least is there a days journey to ride through it, & there been four great rivers all about it sore deep, whereof the greatest is named Gyronde, the other is called Dordon, the third is named Nore, & the other Balancon, & there is nothet castle nor town by twenty mile nigh about it. And therefore the treason was there devised, for this plain of Valcolours was far fro all folk, & there was a way crossed in four, the one way was toward France, the other in to Spain, the other in to Galyce, and the fourth in to Gascoigne. And at every one of these four ways: was laid a ambushment os .v. hundred men well horsed and armed for to take Reinaud and his brethren quick or dead, for thus had they sworn it, & promised to king Charlemagne. Than come there Reinawd & his brethren with their fellowship of eight earls, that the king yond of Gascoigne had take to them, the which witted well all the mystery of this treason. And incontinent Ogier the dane saw them first of all, the which was all abashed, and said to his folk, fair lords ye been my men my subiectts and my friends, ye know that Reynawd is my cousin, & I ought not to see his death nor his damage. Wherefore I pray you all that ye will do him no harm at all, nor to none of his brethren my cousins. They answered all, that they should do his commandment with a good will. This hanging: reynald and his brothers passed by & went in to the mids of the plain.  
THan when Reinawd and his brethren were come there, and found no body: they were of it sore a abashed. And after when Alarde saw this: he called his brother Richard and said to him. what is this fair brother I see well that we been berraied, for I see you change your colour, how think ye? Brother said Richard I doubt me sore for Reynawd, have no doubt said Alarde. For we shall have nothing but good. My brother said Richard I promise you all my heart shaketh, nor never in my days I had not so great fear, for all my heres rise up, whereof I doubt me sore that we been betrayed, & that more is: I should not be afeard if reynald were armed & set upon bayard, and we also, for thus as been now we been half discomfired. And when he had said thus: he spoke to reynald & said, Brother why do we tarry here sith that we have found no body with whom we should speak? for if twenty knights were here armed: they should have us where they would maugre our teeth as beasts, seeing that we have so many enemies in France, ye would not believe this that we told you, and also your wife at Mountawban, whereof I fear me sore that ye shall have no leiser for to repent you of it. For if our cousin Mawgis had be here with us & that ye had your good horse bayard: we should not doubt Charlemagne with all his puissance of a straw. I pray you let us go hence, for I promise you it is folly for to abide here long, for I know well that Charlemagne hath made us to come here as beasts clothed with scarlet, nor I can not believe none other, but that the king you hath falsely betrayed us.  
CErtes fair brother ye say troth said reynald, and I perceive me well of it now let us go back again all fair & soft, & as they would have returned: reynald beheld a side & saw well a thousand knights armed coming a great pace against them, & Foulques of Morylion came afore at the other, well horsed his shield afore his breast & his spear allow in the rest the great wallop against Reynawd for he was the man in the world that he most hated. when reynald saw come Foulques of Morillon: he knew him well at his shield, & was so angered for it that he witted not what to do. A god what shall we poor sinners do I see well that we must die this day with out doubt. Brother said Alard what say ye? by my faith said Reinaud I see here great sorrow. Hear comes Foulques of Morillon for to slay us, & when Alard had sen them coming: it lacked little that he waxed mad & fell down almost for great anger that he had of the same, & when Guycharde & Richard saw this: they began to make great sorrow. For they scratched their visages and pulled their hears. And when Alarde was a little assured: he said. Ha fair brethren guichard & Richard, now is the day come that we shall die all through mortal treason, for I know well tha● reynald hath betrayed us: and certes I would never have thought that any treason should have entered within so noble a man as he is, he made us come here a yen our wills and maugre us, because he knoweth well the treason. Ha reynald the Son of Aimon of Ardeine, and who shall ever trust any man, when ye that are our brother, and that we take for our lord, have brought us hither maugre us to our death, and have betrayed us so falsely O Richard said Alarde draw out your sword, by god the traitor shall die with us. For well ought the traitor to die that hath procured so mortal a treason, when Alarde had said this: they all three did set hand to their swords and came to Reinaud, for to slay him yrefullye & sore an angered as lions, for they trowed for very certain that reynald had betrayed them, when reynald saw them come thus: he made semblant to defend himself, but lough at them by great love, alas said richard what had I thought. I would not slay my brother for all the good in the world, and so said Alarde and Guychard, for they were sore repent of this that they had enterprised for to do, and they began all for to weep for pity and cast their swords down to the earth and kissed Reynawd sore weeping. And Alard said. Ha good Reynawd why have you betrayed us so? we be neither normanes nor English nor almains, but we be brethren of one rather and of one mother, & we hold you for our lord. For god brother reynald tell us of whence cometh this treason, we been come of so noble kin of Gerarde of Roussyllon and of Dron of Nantuell and of the duke Benes of Aygremount, & never none of our lineage thought no treason, & how have ye done so that have procured i● now against your natural brethren, certes it is a great fault to you  
BRother said Reinawd I have more great pity of you than I have of mine own self, for I have brought you here against your will and if I had believed you this mishap had not come to us. I have brought you here, & I promise you I shall bring you again from hens with gods grace. Recommend ourself to our lord, and think for to defend us well, & fear not the death for our worship. For ones we must die without fail. But it is good to get worship. Brother said richard, shall ye help us? yea said Reinawd doubt not thereof. And when he had that said, he turned toward the earls and said to them, fair lords the king you hath sent you with us: for to conduit us, & under the surety of you we be come here to lose our lives. And therefore I pray you that ye will help us. Reinaud (said the earl of Ansom) It is not for us to bargain here long, but let us all flee for to save ourself and we may, than said Reinaud by my head ye be all traitors, and I shall smite of all your heads. Brother said Alard what tarry ye so long, for they been well worthy for to die, sith that they been traitors. And when Rainawde understood that word of his brother: he set hand to his sword & smote the earl of Ansom so great a stroke upon the head that he cloved him to the hard teeth, and it was well reason, for it was he that counseled this treason to the king you, that was the reward that he had for the first, when the earl of Ansom was thus slain: the other seven began to flee, and Reinawd tan after, but he could not run fast: for his mule was to sore lade of the weight of his body, so that the beast fell doown under him For Reinawd to say the troth was so big made and so great that no horse might bear him but only baiarde. For as it is said Reinawd had xvi. feet of length & was well shape of body after the greatness.  
THan when reynald saw himself a ground: he stood up lightly with his mule and said, ha Baiard my good horse that I am not on your back armed of all pieces, for or ever that I should be overcome: I should sell my death full dear. Alas none ought not to complain my death sith that I have purchased it myself. Brother said Guychard what shall we do? here be our enemies even by us, if ye think it good: let us adventure to pass over this river and go upon that high roch, and so we shall may save ourself. Go fool go said Reinaud what say ye? ye wots well that our mules might not run before the horses, what should avail us for to flee sith that we might not save ourself? Certes I should not flee for all the world. I have liefer die with my worship: than I should live with great shame, for he that dieth in fleeing: his soul shall never be saved. Thus as reynald spoke to his brother Richard: Alard said to him brother reynald let us light from our mules a foot and shrive ourself the one to tother to th'end that we be not overcome by the devil. Friend said Reynawd ye say well and wisely, and they did as Alarde had devised. And when they were confessed th'one to tother: Reinaud said to his brethren. Lords let us do such a thing, whereof we shall get worship, sith it is so that we may not scape: let us kill them that come first upon us, and we shall have advantage upon tother, & god's curse have him that shall feign himself.  
THan when Alard heard Reinaud speak thus: he colled him with his arms and kissed him all weeping & said to him. Brother we been two & two, I pray you that th'one fail not to help the other as long that life is in our bodies. Brother said tother we shall help you with all our might & than they went & kissed Reinawd by great love, & after when they had kissed each other: they took of their mantles & wrapped them about their left arms, & took their swords in their hands & begun to cry & called their badges & tokens. reynald cried mountawban. alard saint nycolas. guychard, balancon. & thou gentle Richard, arden, which was the badge or token of their father aymon. when Foulques of morillon saw the four sons of Aymon coming toward him all unarmed & upon mules so boldly: he was all abashed of it. Than he began to cry & said reynald Reynawd ye are come to your death, and I promise you he that most loveth you hath betrayed you, that is the king you, but have patience, for I shall set to your neck an halter. Now have you not your horse Bayard, the which ye have riden upon wrongfully, now shall you be avenged the death of Berthelot that ye slew. Reinawd what shall ye do? will ye defend or yield you? but your defence shall be not worth to you. And if ye make any semblant to defend yourself: I shall slay you incontinent.  
FOulques said Reinawd ye speak well like a beast, and trow you that I shall yield me quick to Charlemagne or to you? I shall first smite of your head & the helm withal if I can reach to you, ye know well how my sword cutteth. By god Foulques said Reynawd ye are greatly to be blamed for to have given the counsel for to make us to be betrayed by the king you, for it is the foulest craft that a knight may for to do treason. But do as a gentleman ought to do, to the end that men say not that it is treason, if ye will let us go: we shall be all four ready to become liegemen of the king Charlemagne, and I shall give you my horse baiard, the which I gave not for all the gold in the world, and also I shall give you the strong castle Mountawban, and if the king Charlemagne maketh war against you for love of us: we shall serve you with five hundred knights well armed and well horsed ever more, and if it please you ye shall save us our lives. And if ye will not do this: do another thing that I shall tell you for to keep you to be not called a traitor. Cheese twenty knights of the best that ye have, and put them in a field well armed, upon good horses, & we four shall fight with them unarmed as we been upon our mules, and if your twenty knights well armed and well horsed may overcome me and my brethren though we have no harness upon us: we pardon them our death, and if god will that we should overcome them: that ye should than let us go free where we would, it is that I require you for god's love and for your worship and no more, and if ye do not so: ye shall be taken for an ill knight all days of your life. By god Reynawd. said Foulques your preaching shall not avail you nothing, for I have liefer to have found you now in this array, than that I had won an hundred thousand mark of fine gold. Now is your cousin the wise Mawgis far from you, he can not give you no couseyle at this hour, and also all your folk be well far fro you, they shall not give you socoures, and also I know the goodness of my men and that they have promised the king Charlemagne that they shall not fail to assail you worthily, by my faith said Reinaud and we shall defend ourself also to our power. Than said Alarde to reynald, brother what ordinance shall we keep? brother (said Rainawd) we shall keep foot troo and two: ye and guichard shall be behind, and I and richard shall make the forward, and let us smite well hard I pray you, for the time is now come that we must needs do so, and make we that thing that shallbe left in perpetual memory to them that shallbe after us, sith that by no wise we may not scape. Fair brother said Alarde to guichard, ye were well deceived for that ye trowed that Reinawd had betrayed us. I promise you he would not do it for all the gold of the world. By my faith said than guichard to Alard I am now well whole, sith that our dear brother reynald shall be to our help, for as long as he shall be a live: we shall defend ourself, but not after, for though I might choose I would not live after he were dead. And when he had said this: they meddled themself among their enemies. Shortly to speak of the four sons of Aimon assembled well against three hundred good knights, but their courage were nevertheless therefore as long as they had life in the body: but that they showed unto their enemies a knights face, when Foulques of Morylion saw reynald come: he spurred his horse with the spurs & bore his spear a low, & went & smote Reynawd by the mantel of scarlet that was about his arm so great a stroke that his spear entered through his thigh and overthrew both him and his mule to the earth. When Alarde saw the stroke: he cried sore and said. Alas we have lost Reynawde our brother that was all our hope and our secour now may we not escape, but that we shall be dead or taken, and it is better that we yield us prisoners at this time: than to defend us any more. For sith it is so: our defence shall help us nothing against so many folk. And when reynald understood the words of his brother, he cried to him with a loud voice and said. Fie upon you glutton what is that ye say? I have no harm yet, but I am all whole as ye be, thanked be god, and yet shall I tell me full dear or I die. And when reynald had said this: he rose up quickly and took the spear with both his hands, and pulled it out of his thigh with great grief, and after set hand to his sword. And said to Foulques of Moryllon, knight if ye will do like a good man: light a foot as I am. And ye shall know what I can do. When Foulques of Morillon understood him: he turned upon him sore an angered, and thought for to have smitten him on his head, but reynald drew a little aside, and went and gave unto Foulques such a stroke upon his helm: that neither iron nor steel might not save him, but that Renawde clove him in to the hard teeth and felled him dead to the catthe. And when he saw him fall: he said unto him. Now unhappy traitor that thy soul may have no pardon, but go to the pit of hell. And when he had said that: he took the horse of Foulques of Moryllon the which was right good, & light upon it incontinent and took his shield & his spear that Foulques of Moryllon had showed through and through his thigh & than he said to his brethren. Be ye all sure that as long as I am a live: ye shall have no harm, but the frenshemen shall say that they have an ill neighbour of me. And wit it when he was an horseback: he was not well at ease, because that the styroppes were to short for him. But he had other things to do, than for to make them longer. And when he was thus set on horseback: he made his horse to run and held his spear allow, and went and met with the earl Angenon by such manner that he put both iron and wood through the breast of him so that he must fall down dead fro the horse to the ground afore his foot. And after Reinawd set hand to his sword, and smote a knight such a stroke that his helm might not save him, but cleaved him to the teeth. What shall I tell you more? Now wit it that at that time Renawde slew with his own hands four earls, three dukes and six knights, and after he begun to cry Mountawban with a high voice. And after his cry: he went & smote Roberte the lord of Dygeon that was son to the duke of Burgoine so that the head with the helm he made it leap to the ground, & after he slew another sterke dead, that came to rescue the said lord.  
ANd when Rainawde had done this noble prowess: he beheld about him, and trowed to have seen his brethren than, but he saw none of them, whereof he was sore abashed. O god said he where are my brethren gone? now be they well far from me, we shall never come together again. And than came there Alarde that in likewise had won a horse, the shield and the spear, for he had slain a knight, and had taken his horse, but he was sore hurt. Nevertheless he came & held side with his brother, and richard and Guycharde came soon at the other side. Than Alarde said to Reinaud. Brother be all sure that we shall never fail you to the death. And when the four brethren were assembled together again: they began to make so great destruction of frenshemen, that none durst abide them. For all they that they hit: scaped not the death. when the frenshemen saw this: they were marveled, and said the one to the other. By my soul this passeth all other wonder. I trow that they been no knights: but that they been devils, now let us make to thena assault both behind and before, for if they live long: they shall do us great hurt. And when they were hereto, accorded: they ran all upon the four sons of Aymon so hard that they parted them would they or not. But reynald passed through them all and brought himself out of the press, and Alarde after him. And richard returned fleeing toward the roche Mountbron, and Guychard abode there on foo●e, for the frenshemen had slain his mule under him, and had wounded him with two spears well deep into the flesh and was taken for prisoner and they bound him both hand and foot, and laid him upon a little horse overthwart, like as a sack of corn so wounded as he was, and I promise you men might well follow him by the trase, because of the blood that came out of his body, and so lead him so shamefully as that it may had be a thief and went all beating upon him, saying to him that they led him to Charlemagne, the which should make him to be hanged for to avenge the death of his dear nephew Berthelot that he loved so much, the which reynald slew so shamefully playing at the Chess.  
ANd when reynald saw that his enemies led his brother guichard so shamefully: he waxed almost mad for anger, and called his brother Alarde to him and said, Fair brother what shall we do? see how shamefully they far with our brother guichard, if we suffer than to bring him forth of this fashion: we shall never have worship in our days. Brother said Alarde I wot not what we may best do for to abide or for to go to them. For I tell you that we be no more but two, and they be so great number of folk that we can do nothing against them. O god (said reynald) what shall I do if the king Charlemagne make my brother to be hanged? I shall never be at my hearts case, nor I shall never come to no court, but men shall point me with the finger, and shall say see yonder is the son of Aymon that let his brother to be hanged to the pin tree of Mountfaucon, & he durst not secure him. Certes said reynald to Alarde, brother I had liefer die first, but if I should rescue our brother fro death. Brother said Alarde now set yourself afore & I shall follow you & after my power I will help you to rescue him. And when reynald heard that: he cast his shield behind him, and habandonned his body all boldly as a Lion, and cared not how the game should go, for ye saw never wood men hue in a forest, nor make so great noise as reynald made with his sword among his enemies for he cutted & hewed legs and arms by such wise that no man should believe it, but they that see it. Thus made reynald at that time that the Frenchemen must needs make him way to pass whether they would or no. And many made him way for the love of O●ier for they knew well that the four sons of Aymon were his cousins. And when reynald was passed: he said to them that led his brother Guycharde. Let go the knight ye ill folks, for ye be not worthy to touch him, and when they that led Guycharde saw come reynald: they were sore afraid that they put themself to flight & left guichard free and said the one to the other. here cometh the end of the world. And when reynald saw that they fled: the said to Alarde. Go ye fair brother and unbind Guicharde our brother and set him upon this horse and give him a spear in his hand, & come after me, for the traitors been discomfited. Brother said Alarde. I shall go where it please you, but I tell you if we part one from the other: we shall never come together again seeing that we be so few & so ill armed, but let us keep together, & help th'one tother. Brother said Reynawde ye say well & wisely, and we shall do it. And than they went both together to guichard, & unbound him, and made him mount on horseback the shield at the neck, and the spear in the hand. Now go there the three brethren together, and the fourth fighteth against a great number of folk, that was the valiant Richard, that was the most worthy of all after his brother Reinaud. But men had slain his mule under him, and was wounded right sore. But he had slain five earls, and well xiiii knights, whereof he was so sore travailed and so weary, that he might not all most defend himself no more, but went round about the roche. And than came gerarde of valcome that was cousin to Foulques of Moryllon the which he had found dead, whereof he made great sorrow, & said. Ha gentle knight it is great damage of your death. Certes he that hath brought you to this death he is not my friend. Now shall I avenge me if I may, & than he came to the roche. And when he saw reynald in so great grief: he spurred his horse with his spurs & bore his spear allow & smote richard through the mantel of scarlet, that he wrapped about his lift arm so hard that the spear entered far in his body so much that he brought him to the earth, and as he drew his spear again: the guts of Richard came out of the body into his lap, & the wound was so great that the liver and the lounges appeared. Than began Gerarde to cry. No ware dyscoupled the four sons of Aymon, for I have slain Richard the hardy fighter, all the other shall soon be slain or taken, if god give me health. And I shall bring them unto the king Charlemagne, that shall make them to be hanged at Mountfawcon as soon as he hath them.  
THan when Richard was come a little to his ease: he rose up quickly upon his feet, & took his bowels with both his hands and put them again into his belie and after set hand to his sword, & came to Gerarde and said to him in great anger. Thou cursed man thou shalt have thy reward anon for that ye have done to me, for certes it shall not be umbrayed to reynald that ye have slain his brother, and when he had said thus: he smote Gerarde through the quyras, and through the shield so great a strooke, that he hewed the shoulder and the arm with all from the body & felled him down dead to the earth afore his feet, and than said to him. Certes Gerarde it had be better for you that ye had not come hitherward, for to the king Charlemagne now shall ye not bear your boast that ye have slain one of the four Sons of Aymon. And when he had said that: he fell down in a swoon, and when he was come again to himself: he began for to wish after his brethren, and complained them sore, saying. O reynald fair brother this day shall depart our company. For I shall never see you, neither ye me. O Castle of Mountawban I commend thee to god that he will by his mercy & pity bring again your lord safe and sound of his body. Ha king yond of Gascoigne, why have ye betrayed us? and taken us to the king Charlemagne: certes ye did therein great sin, and ashamfull fault, and after he said all weeping. O father king of glory, and lord of all the world, succour this day my poor brethren. For I wots not where they been, nor of me they may neither have help nor succours, for I am all ready for to die.  
Now shall I tell you of reynald of Alarde, and of Guicharde that fought strongly against their enemies, as worthy knights that they were. But all their great feats of arms should availed them nothing if they had not come to a narrow way of the roche, where men might not come to them but afore. And when they had be long there: reynald began to say to his brother Alarde, Brother where is become our brother Richard that we saw not of a good while a go? now think none other but that we shall never see him, for I left him here by this sapyn tree, when ye and I had so much to do. I pray god if he be dead that he have his soul. Now I will wit tidings of him if it be possible. Brother said Alarde if ye will believe me ye shall abide here, God pardon him if he be dead, for we may not help him the peril is to great and I believe that we should die afore that even were come. Ha brother said reynald shall we fail to our brother Richard the good knight and worthy? Than said Alarde, what will ye that we shall do thereto? for as to me I know no remedy to it. Alas said reynald ye speak foolishly, for I should not doubt for fere of death to wit where he is become And if I should go alone, yet shall I understand some tidings of him. Brother said Alarde I promise you if we depart the one from the other: We shall never see us again together. Brother said Reynawde other dead or all quick, I shall find him where so ever he be it may none other be, and when reynald had said these words: he spurred his horse with his spurs, and came at the other side of the roche. And when they that had chased Richard there for to slay him saw Reinaud come: they smote himself to flight, & than reynald went a little more upward upon the roche, and found there his brother Richard that lay nigh dead upon the ground, & held his bowels between his hands, and about him were a great numbered of folk which he had slain. When reynald saw him dead and so sore wounded: he had of it so great sorrow at his heart that almost he fell down dead to the ground but he took courage and came nigh his brother and lighted down from his horse & kissed him sore weeping and said. Ha fair brother it is great pity & damage of you and of your death for certes never man was worth you, for if ye had come to man's age never rowland nor Oliver were so prue in knighthood, as ye should have be. Alas now is lost our beauty and our youth through great sin. O good lord who should ever have thought the any treason should have entered into the heart of the king yond? Alas my brother richard woe is me for your death, for I am cause of it. Alas this day in the morning when we departed out of Mountawban we were four brethren all good knights, now are we but iii that been perillousli wounded and all unarmed. Now God forbid that I should scape sith that ye be dead upon the traitors. But I pray god that I may venge your death upon them or ever I decease. For I shall set thereto my good will, & if god will it shallbe so. Even thus as Reinaud made moan over his brother: he beheld behind him and saw come his brethren Alarde and guichard all discomfited, that cried upon reynald. Brother what do you? come anon and help us for we have great need. And when Richard heard the voice of Alarde: he opened his eyen, and when he saw his brother reynald afore him: he said to him. O brother Reinaud and what do you here? see ye yonder that roche which is so high and so strong, where as been many small stones above, if we might do so much that we climbed up there: I believe that we should be safe from our enemies, for it cannot be but our cousin Mawgys knoweth our disease by this: and he shall come to secure us. Brother said reynald would god we were there now tell me my fair brother how feel ye yourself? think ye that ye may recover health? yea said richard if ye scape and else not, for with the sore that I have, I might well die for sorrow.  
ANd when reynald heard Richard speak thus: he was right glad of it. So called he Alard to him and said. Brother take richard upon your shield, and lead him upon the roche, and Guicharde and I shall room the way afore you, brother said Alarde, doubt not I shall do my power. And than he lighted down and took up Richard and laid him upon his shield, and after he lighted again on horseback and reynald and guichard layed him with his brother upon the horse neck, and after put themself afore to break the prece of the Frenchemen. And they did so much that they came to the roche. But wit it well that reynald made there so great feats arms, that all his enemies were marveled with all. For he slew at that time well thirty knights, that never wild Boar, nor tiger, nor Lion, nor Bear did that reynald made there of his body. But for to say the truth: reynald setted nought by his life, and jeopardy himself all together, for he was as a man desperate. And when they were come to the roche, Alarde set down his brother Richard to the earth. And began to defend quickly, but I wots not how they might endure, for they had neither Castle nor fortress, but only the roche.  
ALl thus as the three brethren defended themself with great woe. Than came there Ogier the dane and his folk, and had in his company Magon of Frise with well a thousand knights, & cried upon reynald. Certes knight ye shallbe dead we have sworn your death. This day is the departing that ye & your brethren shall suffer death Ye did as fools when ye believed the king You, for he hath put you all to death. When Alarde saw so great folk come: he was sore an angered, and said to guichard. See how great a sorrow is here afore us, and the great number of folk that be ready for to slay us four knights. certes if we were five hundred well armed yet should not we scape, for they been well armed and a great quantiti of knights. Surely said Guichard here is a marvelous company, but if God help us now: we been come to the end of our days. It is no great damage of me neither of richard, but the great damage is of reynald that is the best knight of the world. And when Alarde and Guycharde had spoken together: they went to reynald and kissed him full sore weeping, and said unto him O brother reynald give us a gift if it please you for the love of our lord God. Lords said reynald what thing ask you of me? ye know well enough that I can not help you of no thing, and this day must I needs see you die before mine eyen.  
BRother said Alarde, Hark what we will tell you, and if it please you ye shall do it. Say on hardly said reynald. Brother said Alarde men say commonly that it is better to done one harm: than two I say this because that if ye die here: it shallbe great damage, & the loss shall never be recovered again, for none shall avenge your death, but though we die here and not you: it shallbe no great damage, for ye shall avenge us well, and therefore we pray you sweet brother for all the pleasures that ye would do ever to us, that ye will go your ways, and we shall abide here. And when the death shall come; we shall take it a worth. This that we say ye may well do: for ye be well horsed, and ye shall well save yourself maugre the French men, if they go to Mountawban, & when ye be at Mountawban: light upon baiard well armed, & bring anon with you our cousin Mawgys for to secure us. Brother said Reinaud, ye speak to foolishly. Certes I would not do so for all the gold of the world. I should be sore bad and full unkind if I did so, for I could not spill myself sooner than for to leave you in so great peril. Other we shall all scape: or else we shall all die together, for the one shall not fail the other as long as we may live, now God that suffered death and passion save us. Thus as reynald spoke to his brethren: came the earl Guymarde to whom God give evil adventure, and said to reynald, knight ye be take and ye must die with shame upon this roche. When ye believed the king You ye did great folly. He wrought great treason when he did sell you to the king Charlemagne that hateth you so much, for ye loved him more, than ye did your cousin Mawgys. He hath well rewarded you for the great love that ye ought to him, tell me reynald whether ye will yield you or defend you? Certes said reynald now speak ye for nought, I shall never yield me as long as I am a live. reynald said than, Ogyer what will ye do? we cannot help you of nothing, other give yourself up: or defend yourself, Ogyer said reynald, by him that made the world I shall never yield me. I was never no thief and therefore will I not be hanged, I have liefer die like a knight than to hang like a thief. Lords said Guimard let us assault them, for they shall not may keep long against us. Lords said Ogyer ye may well assault them if ye will, but by my soul I shall do them nothing, for they been my cousins nor I shall not help them. For ye shall take them well without me. Certes said the French men, we shall then assail them worthily. Than Ogyer drew himself and all his folk a side, well the length of a bow shot, and began to make so great sorrow as though all the world had finished afore his eyen, and all his sorrow was for reynald his cousin and for his brethren, and thus as he made his moan: he began for to say. Ha fair cousin reynald it is great pity of your death. And I unhappy man that am of your kin suffer you to die afore mine eyen, & yet I cannot help you, for I have it promised to Charlemagne, nor I ought not for to break mine oath. But the history telleth that Ogyer duaange himself greatly that day, And through his purchase the four sons of Aymon scaped. For if he would have put pain to it: they should not have scaped by no manner but as men said. True blood may not lie.  
BEfore the roche were four Earls, for to assault the four Sons of Aymon, and made them much a do. For their folk sawted them in four parties. Whereof reynald kept the two parts: and Alarde & Guycharde kept the other twain. For Richard lay down upon the earth sore wounded, as I told you afore. And yet was Guicharde wounded sore through the thy whereof he had bled so long that ye was faint and fell down to the earth. And when he saw that he might no more defend: he began to call upon reynald and said. Ha reynald fair brother, let us yield us I pray you, for I nor Richard may no more help you. Brother said reynald what say you? now show ye well that ye be fearful, but I let you wit that if I trowed to scape other for Gold, or for Silver or for City or for Castles, or my horse baiard that I love so much: I should have yield me prisoner to day in the morning. For ye wots well that if we been take that all the gold that is in all the world save us not fro hanging, or some other shameful death, and therefore I will not yield me by no manner of wise. A man that willbe valyaunte aught to defend himself for to be whole. Ha Richard secure us for the love of jesus, for we have well mistre: we been neither Normans nor Bretons, but we been all of one father and of one mother. Now ought we well to help each other with all our power for our worship, for other wise men should say that we been bastards, and of an ill father. ye say truth said Guicharde. But ye would not believe how feeble I am, for I am wounded to the death.  
Certes said reynald, I am sorry for it, but I shall defend you as long as life is in my body, who had seen than the noble knight Reinawd take up the great stones, and cast them upon his enemies: ye would not have said that he had not be wounded nor travailed of nothing. When Richard (that lay a ground thus wounded as I have told you above) saw and heard the great noise that they that sawted the roche made: he took up his head and said to reynald. Brother I shall help you. But cut me some of my shirt, & I shall bind my side and wound so that my bowels may not issue out of my beli and than I shall set me to mi defence and shall help you with all my heart. Than said reynald, now art thou well worth a true man. And when guichard understood him: he was a shamed and took again strength in him beyond his power and came to the defence and said with a high voice Ogier fair cousin what do you to your lineage? Certes it shallbe a great shame to you if ye secure us not, for the fault that ye do to us: shall be laid unto you in every place where ye go, to let us die thus we that been your kinsmen, the best of all the world, save reynald & ye shall do like a true man, and as for us other: it maketh neither less neither more. When Ogier understood these words: he was sorry for it, that no man might more, and would have give a great thing for to have delivered them. And said that he would do with all his heart all that he might do for them. And than Ogyer spurred Brayforde with his spurs and came to the roche with a staff in his hand, and said to them that sawted the roche: withdraw yourself a little till I have spoken with them a little, for to wit whether they will give themself up or no. For it is better that we have than quick than dead. Sir said the French men we shall do your commandment. But we leave them with you to keep in the name of the king Charlemagne. Ha god said Ogier I never thought treason, nor I shall not begin yet. And than he came more nigh the roche than he had be, and called to him the four Sons of Aymon, and said to them. Fair cousin rest you, and take again your breath, and if ye be hurt: wrap up your wounds, & make good garnisshinge of stones, & so defend yourself nobly of all your power, for if the king Charlemagne may have you: ye shall never have pardon, but he shall make you to be hanged & strangled, and therefore ye must needs keep yourself well. For I promise you if Mawgis know of it: he shall come to succour you, thus shall ye scape. & other wise not. cozen said Alarde, ye shall have of it a good reward if ever we may scape, ye say true said reynald. For if I may escape by god that suffered death & passion for us upon the Cross, all the gold of the world shall not save him but I shall slay him with mine own hands, for I hate him much more than I do a stranger. For he that should help and defend me against all men it is he that doth me harm Cousin said Ogyer I may not do thereto, so help god my soul. For the king Charlemagne made me swear afore all his barons that I should not help you in no manner of wise. And of this that I do, I am sure the the king Charlemagne shall con me no thank. Brother said Alarde Ogyer telleth you troth. And also it was well troth that Ogyer was reproved thereof for treason, for charlemagne called him traitor afore all his barons. Than reynald boū●e the wounds of his brethren as well as he could. But the wound of richard was so greefully to see that it was pity to behold, for all the entrails appeared out of his body. And when he had lapped them all: Alarde wrapped the wound that reynald had in the thigh, and when they had rested themselves a little reynald stood up and went upon the roche for to gather stones to defend themself. And garnished their with their defence where his brethren should stand. When the Frenchemen saw the Ogyer the Dane made there to long a sojourning: they began all to call and cry. Ogyer ye make there to long a Sermon, tell us if they will yield them or no, or if they shall defend themself. Nay said Ogyer as long as they have life in their bodies. By my soul said the French men than go we assault them eft again. Than said Ogier I promise you I shall help them with all my power. When the Earl Guymarde heard Ogyer speak so: he went to him & said. We command you in the kings name of France that ye come to the battle with us against the four sons of Aymon as ye have promised and sworn, & for doubt of you many a lord is here in your company that will not fight. Lords said Ogyer for god mercy, ye know well all ready they been my cousins germany. I pray you let us withdraw ourself a back, and let them be in peace, and I shall give each of you large goods, Ogier said the french men we shall not do so, but we shall bring them prisoners to the king Charlemagne that shall do with them his pleasure, and also we shall tell him what ye have done. Whereof he shall con you little thank all his life. And after when Ogier understood these words: he was sore an angered & said by great wrath. By the faith that I own to all my friends if there be any of you so hardy that take reynald or any of this brethren for to deliver them to king Charlemagne I: shall smite of his head, what some ever come after it. Ogier said the earl Gunymarde we shall not leave therefore for to take them right shortly. And when we have them: we shall see who shall take them from us, for we shall well can show this to the king Charlemagne. And than they began to sawt the roche again. Wit it that reynald & his brethren defended themfelf full nobly. But when reynald saw this great multitude of folk that came for to assault them: he began to say. Ha Mawgis my fair cousin where are ye now that ye know not this mishap? for ye would come anon to help us: but ye know it not, whereof I am evil content. For I was a fool and over hasty that I spoke not to you of this matter afore that I came here. Ha baiard if I were upon your back I should never entre within this roche for fear of the frenchmen, but the king Charlemagne should lose here of the best knights of his company, & when he had said this: he began to weep full tenderly for the love of his brethren, that he saw so sore wounded and & so weary. Than the frenchmen sawted them eft as strong again & I promise you if it had not be the great prows of reynald: they should have been taken at that time by fine force. When the sawtinge was finished: reynald set himself upon his defence, for he was so weary that if he had gone he should have fallen down to the earth, so week he was and that was no marvel: for they had so sore travailed him, & had suffered so many torments and terrible sawtes that it was wonder that they could endure so long.  
ANd when Ogyer the Dane saw his Cousin so sore tormented: he took himself to weep tenderly. And thus as he wept: he bethought himself of a great wisdom & called to him a knight of his that was named Gerarde & said to him, have for god mercy of me. and but if ye do that I shall tell you: I am dishonoured for ever more. Sir said Gerade tell me what it please you for it shall be do though I should lose my life. Gramercy said Ogier, now shall I tell you what I will that ye do, take with you xl knights of the best of my fellowship, & go lightly to the more sit Hosy, & keep yourself thereupon, & behold toward Mountawban all the right way that no body come but ye see him, for if Mawgys may wit by any way the misfortune of his cousins: I promise you that he will come to succour them, and shall give us much a do, so that the most hardy shallbe sore afraid, sir said gerarde this that ye have said: shall be well done, and than he took xl of the best knights of his company & went to the mount Hosye, where they made not well their watch for the profit of the frenchmen. Ye ought here to wit the Ogier found this manner to send his men forth, but only the reynald and his brethren should not have a do with so many folk, and thought not of that that happened.  
¶ But now leaveth here the history to speak of the four sons of Aymon that were in the roche mountbron And also leaveth to speak of Ogier the Dane, and of tother folk that Charlemagne had sent, & returneth to speak of Godarde the secretary of the king Yond that had read the letters where the treason was contained all plainly.   

¶ How after that Godarde the secretory of the king Yon had rehearsed all the treason of Mawgis, that the king Yon had done to his cousins. Mawgis brought such a succours to reynald and to his brethren, that he saved them from death by his great wisdom. ¶ Capitulum ten   depiction of an armoured figure with sword and shield, two knights on horseback, two other male figures, and a decapitated body 
NOw showeth the history that when Godarde saw reynald and his brethren go to their death through so false a treason: he had of it great sorrow and pity, and he was right sorry for it, for two principal causes, whereof th'one was for his master the king Yond, that had wrought that shameful treason: and the other was for the great pity and damage that it was for to make die so piteously such worthy knights as the four sons of Aimon were. So began he to weep piteously, and thus as he wept, came there Mawgys the cousin of the four sons of Aymon that went to the kitchen for to haste the meat, for the king Yon would eat, to the which men made good cheer, because they knew not the treason that he had done. When the clerk saw Mawgys: he called him, and said to him. Ha Mawgys how it is ill with you? for if god put no remedy in you ye have lost that thing that ye most love in this world that is reynald and his brethren for the king Yond hath betrayed them shamefully. And than he showed to him all the treason, when Mawgys understood these words: he was all out of his wits & said to the clerk Godarde for god go away fro me, for all my limbs shaken for anger nor I cannot stand upon my feet, for mi heart telleth me that Reinaud and his brethren been dead. Certes said Godarde ye sai troth. For the letter showeth that Ogyer the dane and Foulques of Morillon are set in a bushment with a great numbered of folk in the plain of Valcolours and reynald and his brethren are gone thither all unarmed by the counsel of king Yond, and thus they cannot defend, but they must be dead or taken. When Mawgis understood this: he was sorry for it that he fell down in a swoon to th'earth, and at the falling that he made he broke all his brows. And when he was come again to himself, he was so sorry that he wist not what he should do. So took he a knife and would have showed it in his breast, but he might not for Godarde took him by the hand and said to him. Ha gentle knight have mercy upon you, kill not yourself, for your soul shallbe dampened for it, but light a horseback and take with you all the men of arms that been within and the good horse bayard that runneth so fast, and go there as your cousins been gone as soon as ye may. And when ye come there, ye shall see anon if ye can help them or not, for if they been alive: ye shall secure them right well. Godarde said Mawgys your counsel is right good, and than he began to weep and said. Ha noble knight Reynawd it is great damage if ye be dead, but I make my vow to God that if ye and your brethren be dead: I shall never live two days after you. And than Mawgys without any noise or any word to be made of this to king Yon nor to his sister the wife of reynald: command all the soldiers of the castle to be ready in arms lightly, and when the knights understood him: they took their harness on in continent as they were wont to do. And when they were all armed they came all to the lowest part of the palace and presented themselves, and when Mawgys saw them: he showed to them all the treason that the king you had done to reynald and to his brethren.  
THen when the Knights of reynald understood this: they begun to make such sorrow that it was pity for to see, & wished after the noble knights that were gone to their death, & were sore desperate that they would almost have killed themself. For the one wished after reynald & the other after Alarde the other after guichard & tother after Richard, & said. Ha valiant & prue knights it is great damage of your death, for certainly all the world shallbe the worse therefore. Alas & who shall give us now the fair arms & the good horses that ye were wont to give us, thus as they were making this great sorrow: mawgis said to the palfrainier that kept baiard, friend go and set the saddle upon baiard and I shall bring him to Reynawd, sir said the palfraynier. I may not do it, for reynald my master commanded me when he went that I should not suffer no body to light upon it till he were come again, when Mawgys understood the answer of the palfraynyer: he was wroth, and smote him with his fist so great a stroke that he cast him at his foot afore him and after went himself to the stable where baiard was. When baiard saw Mawgis: he began to shrink his ears and smote with his forfeit so strong that no body durst go nigh him, but the palfraynyer that tended upon him, and when Mawgys saw that baiard played so he took a staff and smote bayard upon the head so that he made him kneel to the earth. And when bayard saw he was so curstly dealt with all: he was afeard lest he should be yet more shrewdly handled and so he held himself still, & Mawgys cast the saddle upon him and bridled him. And wit it that when Mawgys was upon bayards back: he was well like a valiant man and a hardy knight, for he was one of the fairest knights of the world and one of the best, and the most subtle of the world. And when Mawgys and all his folk were all ready a horse back well armed: they went out at the gate falcon. And they might well be about five thousand men well horsed and well armed, and vii hundred good archers that never would go back for no doubt of death by any manner, and they set themself to the way, not by the right way: but went through the wood all a covert with great diligence, and always Mawgys went wishing after reynald and after his brethren, for he wist not if they were dead or a live, and said to himself. Ha reynald God be this day with you, & keep you & your brethren fro death and fro prison. But now if the french men keep not themself well: they shall have such a neighbour and so cruel that they shallbe soon weary of it and shall sore repent. ¶ Now shall we leave to speak of Mawgis that brought succours to Reinaud to the plain of Valcolours: and we shall show of reynald and of his brethren that were at roche Mountbron full of woe & sorry, for they saw themself in great peril. Al thus as reynald did rest himself upon the defence of the roche and thought in himself what he might do: he turned his sight toward the wood and saw come Mawgis with his folk the shield at the neck the sword in the hand and mounted upon baiard, wit it that bayard went not the little pace but went like a swallow, for at every leap that he made he leapt thirty foot of ground. And when reynald saw Mawgys come with so great folk & so fair a company: all his body shivered all suddenly for great joy, and forgot all the great sorrow & torment that he had suffered all the day and said to his brethren. brethren be merry and be not dismayed of nothing, for here cometh Mawgis to secure us with great number of folk, now he showeth well that he is our kinsman and a good friend, blessed be he of god that hath told him the danger that we were in. Brother said Alarde is it troth that we shall have help anon? yea s●id Reinaud by the faith that I own to you. Certes said Alarde now complain I not. And when Richard that lay with his bowels between his hands under stood this word: him seemed that he dreamt this that he heard which his brethren said, for he was all ready brought as one that had lost his brain, by cause of the great sore that he felt and forced himself so that he righted himself upon his buttock bu● it was with great pain, & said to his brother Reinawde me seemeth that I have heard named Mawgis or else it is come to me by a vision, brother said Reinawde by my faith we have succour of Mawgis that bringeth to us all the power of Mountawban. Brother said Richard for god show me him. And than Reynawd took him between his arms and showed him Mawgis that came riding upon baiard as fast as tempest, when Richard saw mawgys: he was so glad that he fell in a swoon between his brother's arms. And when he was come again to himself: he said. Now am I whole for I feel neither ill neither sore, brother Reinawd said Alard, what shall we do? for if the frenshmen perceive the coming of Mawgis: they shall flee, and I would for no good that they should do so, for I would that we were first avenged upon them for the great hurt that they have done to us, but let us do one thing that I shall tell you. Let us go down to the foot of the roche and begin the battle, & while that they shall fight with us: Mawgis shall be come, and by all thus they shall not scape us, brother said Reinawde ye say well and we shall do so, & than Reinawd, Alard and Guicharde went down to the foot of the roche, and the little richard bod above upon the roche for he could not move neither help himself.  
REinawde came down from the roche with his two brethren, And when the frenshemen saw them: they began to say th'one to tother. Here cometh the sons of Aimon that will yield themself prisoners, now let us not kill them but take we them for to bring them alive to th'emperor Charlemagne. And when they had said this: they began to cry. reynald but if ye will die shortly: yield yourself and if ye do it with good will: we shall all pray Charlemagne that he have mercy upon you. When Ogier heard them speak thus: he wend it had be troth that Reinaud & his brothers would have given themself up as prisoners. So was he full sorry for it, and spurred brayforde with the spurs & came against Reinawd and his brethren and said to them: knights I hold you now for fools that ye have left your roche that was the saving of your life, this day shall ye be hanged with great shame, and yet I can not help you, for I should be blamed of Charlemagne. Ogier said Reinaud we been not such fools as ye ween, but I will that ye flee. For by the faith that I own to the old Aymon my father if ye tarry any while here ye shall not be wise, for if I can reach unto you. I shall show what I can do.  
THis hanging: that Reinawd spoke to Ogyer: Ogier be held toward the right way that came to the wood & saw folk come to Reinawd that Maugis brought, and was all afore mounted upon Bayard that came fast. And when Ogier saw come thus the folk of Reinawd in great numbered: he knew them well, & was right glad of it, & his heart roared in his belly for joy, and righted himself up in his saddle well half a foot & said to his folk. Fair lords what shall we do? the devil hath told Mawgis that we be here, he cometh riding upon baiarde & bringeth with him a fair company, certes if we were twenty thousand yet were we not able to fight with them, and ye shall see this day that the sorrow shall return upon us. This hanging came Mawgis with all his fellowship, & there where he saw Ogier: he came to him and said. Ogier I hold you for a fool because that ye came here to work treason. I challenge of you Reinawd and his brethren, and am come here to be their surety. By god Ogier it longeth not to you for to betray thus Reynawd & his brethren, for ye be of his lineage but ye have ill showed it to him, your father wrought never treason, & I marvel me sore how ye would grant to it, your father left you in France for a pledge at saint Omers to Charlemagne, whose man ye are, paying to him every year four penny weight of gold. Ogyer ye be descended of damp Richard, of Rousillon, of Dron of Nantuel, of the duke Benes of Aygremounte, all these were brethren & good true men and faithful knights, and Aimon of dordon was their brother and is father to Reinawd, this know ye well and ye will be other than was your lineage whereof I defy you to the death for I hate you utterly. When Mawgis had said this word: he spurred bayard with his spurs & smote Ogier in the shield so hard that the shield nor his harness could not save him but that he made him a great wound in his breast, and of that stroke flough the spear in pieces, when Ogier saw that he was so sore an angered for it that: he waxed almost mad, & would have gone upon Mawgys but he might not. For when bayard smelled his lord: he ran mightily toward him, would he or no, & when he was come before Reinawd: he kneeled before him, & Maugis lighted from him & came to Reinaud & kissed him full sweetly, & after he kissed Alarde, and Guicharde, & than said, where is the little richard? For men held him for one of the most hardy of the world Cousin said Reinaud he is there above sore wounded that I wot not whether he be dead or alive, cousin said Mawgys can not he move himself? it is not time to speak so long said Reinawd, but let us see who shall do best, & give me mine arms, with a good will said Maugys, & than Reinaud armed him and lighted upon bayard the shield at the neck and the spear in the hand, and when he had said this: he spurred Baiard with his spur, & leapt at every tim me xxx foot of length. When reynald saw himself upon bayrad: he was right glad, for he trowed never to have set upon his back again, and when he saw himself thus horsed & armed with his own armours: so held himself more sure, than that he had be in the master tower of Mountawban, and than he made a course and ran upon Ogier and smote him so heard that he made him light fro the saddle, and bore him fyerslye to the ground. And when reynald saw Ogyer a ground: he lighted a foot and took the horse of Ogyer and brought it to him again, and held the styroppe and made Ogier to light upon braiford again, and than Reinawd said to him, Cosyne Ogyer now have ye the reward of the goodness that ye did unto us, but certes this that ye have done ye did it as a traitor and an ill kynsmanne, therefore keep you from me for I defy you, and by him that made the world I shall spare you no more, for ye are slandered.  
Cousin Reinaud said Ogyer and we shall keep us fro you doubt ye not. Who than had be in that place: he should have seen how reynald had meddled himself vygoriously among the frenshemennes, and might well say that he was a knight prue and valiant. And than came Mawgys upon another horse that he had recovered and spurred him with his spurs, and came to the earl Guymard and smote him thorough the shield so that he showed his spear through and through his body, and field him down dead to the earth. And when he had given that stroke: he cried Mountawban clear mount, and after he said in this manner, free knights smite upon this frenshemen that would slay the best knights of the world, they have well showed great worthiness when they be come hither in great numbered for to fight against four knights unarmed, but they shall repent them of their bargain right sore or that two hours been a go, and therefore lay strongly upon them and as hard as ye can, for if Ogyer scape us: we be dishonoured, and than began the strife fell and cruel & many a french man was cast down to the earth. For they might not endure the grea● marvels of arms that Reinawd and his brethren made. And when the frenshmen saw that they could not withstand no longer: and saw the great damage and hurt that Reynawd, his brethren and Mawgys bare to them: they put themself to flight & Ogier with them toward the river of Dordonne, and Ogyer passed it over upon his horse braiford, and when he was come at the other side of the river: be lighted a foot, and Reinawd called in a scorn and said to him. Ogyer I trow ye be become a fisher, have ye eels or sawmons? I give you leave to choose whether ye will come again at this side: or that I go to you at that side, and if ye come again at this side: I shall keep you safe from all men but of me only, or else make me sure fcom charlemaine's folk and I shall just with you, and after said to him. Ye whoreson false knave ye have falsed your faith to Charlemagne, for ye be my cousin germane And how had ye the heart for to see us be murdered in your presence and that ye defended us not against all men, and ye come yourself for to slay us by treason. Certes Ogyer ye have done amiss greatly. But thanked be god ye leave with us behind you a good pledge. For here abideth with us Foulques of moryllon, and the earl Guimard, the which shall never make us no war and more than vi. hundred of your french knights, evil tidings ye shall bear of them to Charlemagne and to rowland, and ye shall give them an ill reckoning of your men. And gods curse have they if they make not you to be hanged as a thief by the neck.  
then were the frenshemen sore abashed when they heard Reynawde reprove Ogier so, whereof they were glad and said together well find ye now the reward of your goodness, if ye would have done your devour: the four sons of Aymon had be taken. And when Ogyer saw himself thus reproved of the one part and of the other: he was right sorry for it. And than they left him upon the river side of Dordon, and abode with him but ten men. And when Ogier saw that all his company had left him: he knew well that they did so for despite, than said he all by himself. Fair God of heaven I am well worthy to be served thus. And the proverb maye-well be rehearsed for a truth, that saith. Often happened evil for a good turn. When Ogier had said this: he cried & said to reynald. O mad best ye blame me wrongfully and without a cause, for ye and your brethren should have be hanged by this without any pardon, nor Mawgys had never come here time enough, whereof ye have called me traitor, but ye lie falsely. For I never did treason nor never shall if God will, ye have also called me fisher, now ought I well to wax mad all quick when such a glutton doth to me so great outrage, but by the faith that I own to all my friends, but if I feared other than you: I should go give you such a stroke thorough the shield that ye should say it is a stroke of a master. Than said reynald, Ogier ye speak well at your ease, for ye shall do nothing at all of that ye say least your limbs should be hurt, by my beard said Ogier I shall. And than he broached brayforde with the spurs and put himself to swim over the river. And when he was come to the plain ground: he made him ready for to iouste as were as he was. And when Reynawd saw Ogier so ill arrayed for to fight: he had pity thereof, and said to him. Cousin I have at this hour no will for to fight, and therefore go your ways again, for this day ye shall not be defoiled by me, now know I well that ye have helped me. Reynawd (said Ogier) mock not with me, ye have called me traitor before many knights, if I went my way again: men might say to Charlemagne that I had betrayed him falsely. My spear is yet all whole, it were a great shame to me but I broke it upon you or upon one of your brethren. For Foulques and the earl Guimard should complain in hell upon me, and of the other part I should have none excuse toward the king Charlemagne if I went thus away, for ye have well slain four hundred knights of ours, wherefore I say cor a conclusion that I shall not go my way, but that I meddle first with you, for ye wots well that if I went thus my way: the king Charlemagne should bear me some dishonour for it, and he should have reason & also he should make me to be headed, and therefore I will fight with you, for certes I have liefer die than to return thus to him, and if God hath ordained that ye shall smite of my head: I pardon you my death. for if I can overcome you: I shall bring you to the king Charlemagne what somever come of it.  
ANd when reynald heard Ogyer speak so: he waxed all mad for anger and said by wrath, Ogier I defy you to the death & keep you fro me, & you of me said Ogyer. And when they had defied each other so reynald spurred baiard and Ogyer brayforde their good horses and ran the one upon the other so strongly that the earth trembled under their feet. And when came for to lay the spears allow: they hit each other so hard that they broke their spears, and after their spears were broken: they recounted each other with their shields and gave each other so great strokes that they both fell down to the earth over their croper of their horses and were sore wounded. And when the two good knights saw themseless at the ground: they rose up quickly and set hand to their swords and began to make so hard meddling that it was marvel. But hark of their horses. Wit that what● baiard and brayforde saw their masters at the ground: incontinent they went the one to the other, and began to bite each other and cast their feet the one upon the other. When Ogyer saw that: he was full sorry for it. for he knew well that bayard was the stronger, so ran Ogyer thither the shield at his neck and his sword in his hand, for he would help his good horse Braiford, for he was afeard that bayard should have killed him. When reynald saw this: he cried and said, what is it Ogyer that ye will do? it is not the work of a knight to smite a beast, and well me seemeth that ye have enough to do of me without ye beat not my horse: Than Reinaud smote Ogyer so great a stroke upon his helm: that he field him down unto the ground, but the stroke slided a side & kut asunder all that it ●ought well an hundred maylles of his flankarde, and wounded him sore upon his hip, and if the sword had not turned within Reinawdes' hand: Ogier should never have eaten bread, and when Reinawd had given to him that stroke: he said to him. Ogier le● alone baiard: for ye have enough a do with me. I believe that I have appaired your helm, for I see your visage that is sore pale. And when Ogier felt himself hurt: he waxed almost wood for anger, and returned to Reinawd with his sword Cortyne and said. A curtain that so much I have loved thee and certes it is well reason, for ye be a good sword and in many places ye have well helped me & many a proud man overthrown. And when I went with the king Charlemagne at Estbroughe in Almaigne, rowland, and Oliver did assay their swords at Petron, and I smote after for to assay you. And ye kutted thereof well half a foot and there I broke you whereof I was right sorry. But for the goodness that I know in you, for to amend again & therefore ye be ca●●●d corten, and but if ye avenge me now of this glutton: I shall never have no trust to you. And than he smote Reynawd upon his helm so hard that he made him reel. And when Ogier saw Reinawd thus arrayed: he said to him, by god Reinaud I have yield you again that ye had given me, we be now quite, will ye begin a fresh? by my faith said Reynawd yea, for I desire more to fight than I do any other thing. And than they went and ran the one upon the other and began another meddling, but than came there, Alarde, Mawgys, and guichard and all their folk. And when Ogier saw them come: he was wroth and sorry for it, and so want he again unto braiforde his good horse and lighted upon him, swimmed again over Dordon and when he was over: he abode still at the ri●er side and lighted down to the earth, but he had no saddle upon his horse, for the girths broke when he jousted with Reinaud. When reynald saw Brayforde saddellesse: he called to Ogyer, and said Ogier come fetch your saddle, for it shall be to you a great shame if ye ride thus, and thank our lord that ye be thus departed fro me without any more harm, for if we had tarried a little longer together. I would have brought you into such a place where ye were never, for the king Charlemagne your lord should never have rescued you in time. Reinaud said Ogier, ye threaten me of fear, it longeth not to a good knight to threaten one so, but I wots well that if it had not be your folk that have succoured you: I would have brought you to king Charlemagne or even. Ogier said reinawde ye have well showed that ye be a good knight that passed the river of Dordon, for to come fight with me: but shall ye tarry there for me till I pass over at the other side upon my horse bayard, yea upon my soul said Ogier, and if ye do it: I shall say that ye be the best knight of the world. when Reinaud understood that word: he spurred bayard with the spurs & would have passed over dordon, but Mawgis, Alard, and Guicharde letted him, and would not suffer him to go, but took him by the bridle, and Alarde said to him Ha fair brother & what is this that ye will do? ye be over hasty, for who that doth you good: he loseth well his time, ye know well and Ogyer had not be: we should have been dead this day, and the succours of Mawgys had helped us but little. Let Ogier be in peace I pray you, for there is not a better knight in the world than he is one, and than cried Alarde to Ogier. Fair cousin go to god, for ye have well helped us, when Alarde had spoken to Ogyer: he returned him to his brother reynald and said to him. Fair brother me seemeth it were good that we should turn back again for to wit how our brother Richard doth that abideth upon the roche Mountbron so wounded as ye know. Let go our enemies with shame enough for we have damaged them right sore. Than called Ogier to Reinaud, and said, ye have discomfited us, but by my father's soul, we shall come again so great folk upon you that we shall bear to you great harm and so shall we take the prey, the which ye shall not dare defend.  
Now threaten all fair said Reinaud, for we have such a castle where we dare well abide the king Charlemagne, and you at any hour that ye come, and also I tell you for certain that or ever three days be passed ye shall never take us for all that ye can do. And how somever the game goeth, the loss hath ever be upon you unto this time. And also ye shall bear no good tidings to the king Charlemagne. And when Ogier had spoken enough unto Reinaud: he spurred braiford and went after his folk that had left him and he road so long that he came to Mountbandell and lighted down before the tent of the king Charlemagne. And when Rowland and Oliver saw come Ogier thus wounded and making so evil cheer: they trowed that there had be a battle and that Ogier had taken Reynawd and his brothers, and so they did call the Duke N●imes, Solomon of Breten, Richard of Normandye and the earl Guidellon. And when they were all assembled: they said the one to the other. Poor unhappy and what shall we do? this day shall we see hanged the four sons of Aymon, they be cousins to us all, and if the king Charlemagne maketh them to be hanged: we be dishonoured for ever. And when the king Charlemagne saw come Ogier: he said to him, Ogier where been the four sons of Aymon? have ye taken them, or slain them, or remised them for prisoners? Sir said Ogier all fair and foftlye, wit it that they been no children: but they are the best knights of the world, and they be alive. I tell you sir that we found them in the plain of Valcolours, all four clothed in scarlet furred with ermines and upon mules, and bare in their hands flowers, and roses, well hath the king of Gascoigne kept his covenant to you, for he hath sent them forth in such manner as he promised to you, but the worthiness and the prows was such: that they changed their mules to good horses and recovered both shield and spear. And when Reinaud had gotten a horse: he slew Foulques of Moryllon first of all, and mounted upon his horse, but at the last they found a roche carven after the manner of a cave that is a strong place, where they defended themsele a long while, and Richard one of their brethren had been slain, and the other three should have been other taken or slain, and if Mawgis had not come there to succour them mounted upon bayard and brought with him .v. thousand knights which have discomfited us and have slain the Earl Guymarde.  
HA said themperor Charlemagne is it true that they been so scaped? sir said Ogier, yea verily, when the king understood that Reinawd and his brethren were scaped: he was right wroth & full angry for it and said. A good lord of glory, how am I shamed for four gluttons? certes this weries me sore, but no force let them do the worst that they can for if they have scaped me now: they shall not scape me another time, sir said Ogier wit it, but if Mawgis had not be: they could not have scaped, God's curse have he for it said Charlemagne and an evil year, for often hath he helped them against me, and so I wot well that if I held Reinaud and his brethren within my prison. Mawgis' should deliver them out, and therefore I hate him to death, whereof I pray out lord that I die not till I be first avenged of it, sir said Ogier by the faith that I own to you. Reinaud gave me so great a stroke that the corner of my helm fell down withal to the earth, and I promise you I was well glad when I was escaped from his hands, for of three thousand that we brought with us: there are come again but three hundred, & the surplice is all slain other taken. When Rowland understood these words: he shook all for anger & said by great wrath. By god sir Ogyer, ye were sore hardy ye had not fellows that did so well as ye did, but by saint Peter the apostle I saw never so strong a coward as ye be, nor never came out of Denmark a good knight. Ha whoreson coward kaytif how have ye any eyen that dare behold upon a man? but another thing there is, for ye have spared them, for they been your cousins and your friends. Now be the king blamed, but if he maketh you to be hewn all to pieces, for they should have been take if ye had not be.  
THan when Ogyer saw himself so reproved: he waxed all mad of the great injury that Rowland had said to him so, and answered boldly and said. Damp rowland ye lie falsely of that ye say. For I am not such as ye tell. And here is my pledge for to defend me this quarrel against body to body, for I nor none of my kin did never amiss against Charlemagne, but of all France I am one of the best and truest knights that be in it, and of a better kin I am come than ye be rowland, Gerarde of roussyllon was mine uncle he kept me of a little child, & Dron of Nantuell and the duke Benes of Aygremont these three were brethren the which were all mine uncles. And Myneus of aygremount was my father, and also the bishop Turpyn and Richard of normandy been my kinsmen, and thus are they four sons of Aimon of my lineage, now good sir Rowland tell me your lineage for I know your highness. For by saint Denis of France, I shall defend me against you with my sword, and so shall I show to you if I be true or no. rowland was than wonderful wrath when he heard Ogier speak so: and vanced himself against him and would have smitten him. And when Ogier saw him come: he set hand to his sword cortyne, and said to Rowland. Beware ye be not so hardy for to set hand upon me, for by the faith that I owe to him that, begat me I shall make thy head to flee fro thy body, if ye come any nearer. When Charlemagne saw these two barons move themself so sore the one against the other: he was right sorry for it. And than rose the duke names of Baviere & the earl Aymerye, and said. Sir Rowland what will ye do? by my head the thing shall not go as ye trow, for Ogyer is not such as ye make him, and if the king were not: the thing should go otherwise than ye ween, Ogyer is such a knight as all the world knoweth, nor in his lineage was never no man borne that made treason, but he is the best knight in all France of all sides. But we marvel how Charlemagne suffereth you to take so great a pride upon you, and if he suffereth it: we will not do so for no thing that can come of it. When Charlemagne saw this great noise between his barons: he was right wroth & said to Rowland. Fair nephew let this alone, for it longeth not to you to say so, and between this and to morrow I shall inquire of this matter. And if Ogyer hath do amiss in any thing against me I shall make him abide it full dear, for all they in the world shall not keep him but shall make him be headed for it. Sir said Ogyer I will well, but there is in France no man so prue ne so hardy, that shall say that I have done treason against you nor against any other, but that I shall fight against him in the quarrel, and shall show to him that he lieth falsely, but and it please you to hear me: I shall tell you the truth of the matter, wit it sir that when I came to the roche Mount bron where the four sons of Aymon were, and saw that we were so great numbered of folk against four knights all unarmed: I promise you that I holp them not, nor I was not against them, but withdrew me a side and let the other shift with them, and I stood still and beheld upon the great sorrow. For I saw die my flesh and my blood, and I might not help them of no thing, now have I told you all the truth and all that I did. And if ye find otherwise than that I tell you afore all this noble barons: I will be sore punished. But by the faith ●hat I own to god, if ever I find me in any place where I may help them: I shall help them with all my power, if I should lose my head for it. For all the world ought to hate me because I failed them at their need, for they been my cousins, and ye sir have done so much to them that it should suffice you, for they be not so much guilty of that they be charged of, as men make semblant: but by the virgin mary as long as I shall live I shall not fail them of that I may do, over hasti was Rowland for to have smitten me wrongfully, and without any cause, but I will well that he know that if he, saw reynald mounted upon his horse bayard: he should not take him for a rybawd, nor he should not dare abide him body to body for all the gold of spain. When rowland heard Ogier speak thus: he said to him, by god Ogier ye have praised him much, and ye make him wonderful hardy, but I pray god that I may once find him upon bayard h●s good horse all armed fro head to toe, for to know if he be so valiant as ye make him. Wit that god heard the prayer of rowland, for Rowland not long after that: found reynald upon bayard, and I tell you that rowland held him not sith for no rybawd nor for knave but took him for the best knight of the world. ❧ But the history leaveth now to tell of the king Charlemagne of France, of Rowland and of Ogyer the dane, and of the xii peers of France that been at the siege afore Mountawban, and returneth to speak of Reinaud, that was ill at ease forth love of Richard his brother that was wounded to death in the roche Mountbron.  
NOw showeth the history that after Reinaud had discomfited the frenshemen: he returned again toward roche Montbron where he had left his brother Richard thus wounded as ye have heard. And when he was come there and saw his brother so horrible wounded: he could not keep him from weeping, and said Alas what shall I do when I have lost my dear brother the best friend that I have in the world? And after he had said that word: he fell to the ground from baiard in a swoon. And when Alarde, and Guicharde, saw their brother that was fall: they began to make their moan of Richard piteously. And when Reinaud was come again to himself: he made great sorrow with his two brethren Alarde, and Guichard, upon Richard their brother that lay upon the earth with his bowels between his hands. And this hanging: came Mawgis upon broykarre his good horse the best that men wist after bayard, and held a piece of a spear in his hand. And when he saw Reinaud make such a sorrow: he was right sorry for it. And when he saw Richard thus sore wounded: he was wroth and had great pity for to see the wound that was so great, for men saw the liver within his body. Thenne said he to reynald, fair Cousin take heed what I shall say and leave this sorrow, ye know well that ye be all my cousins and therefore we ought to perforce ourself for to succour the one the other when it is need. I have succoured you many times, and wit it that all the harm that Charlemagne beareth to me, it is all through your occasion, he slew my father but late, whereof I bear yet at my heart great heaviness, that was your uncle that died for your love that know ye well. But if ye will promise me afore all your barons for to come with me into the tent of the king Charlemagne and help me to saw him for to avenge upon him the death of my said father if we can: I shall deliver to you Richard even now whole and sound without any sore. And when reynald understood these words: he came unto Mawgis, & kissed him in the breast all weeping and said to him. Right sweet and fair cousin for god mercy deliver to me again my brother Richard whole if it please you. And if ye will that I do any thing for you: command me, and I shall do it with right good heart. For ye wots well that I did never any thing that was against your will, nor there is no man in the world, for whom I would, do so much as I would do for you. when Mawgys saw reynald weep so tenderly: he had great pity of it and said to him. Now be not dismayed of no thing fair cousin, for ye shall have richard whole and sound incontinent. And than lighted down from his horse, and took a bottle with white wine and washed the wound of Richard therewithal right well, and had away all the blood that was about. And be not marveled where he got all such things as appertained unto this cute: For he was the subtelleste nygromancyer that ever was in the world. And when he had done so: he took his bowels and put them again in to his body, and than he took a needle and a thread, and sewed up the wound full maysterly & hurted not richard, and after he took a salve. Whereof he anointed all the wound, and as soon as the wound was thus anointed: it was as whole as though he had never be hurt in that place of his body. And when he had done all this: he took a drink & gave it to Richard for to drink. & when Richard had drunken it he rose lightly upon his feet all delivered and quite fro his disease, and said to his brethren, where is Ogier gone and his folk, are they scaped fro us? brother answered reynald we have discomfited them, God gramercy and Mawgis that came for to succour us, for otherwise we should have been all dead, & so he hath saved us and our lives at this time now ought we well to love him more than ourself, brother said richard ye say troth, and after Alarde said to Mawgys, fair cousin heal me I pray you, for I have a great wound in the thy. And I also said reynald for I am hurt right sore, and I also said Guychard, for gods love give us health unto all us, than said Mawgys unto them, be not dismayed my fair cousins, for I shall help you all anon. Than took Mawgis of the white wine, whereof he had washed the wound of Richard, and washed their wounds of them all and after anointed them sweetly and anon they were all whole. And when they were all garnished: they made Richard to light upon a horse, and put themself to the way for to return again to Mountawban. And thus they went on their way: a spy departed fro the fellowship of Reinawd and came to Mountawban, to the king yond and said to him. Sir I bring you tidings. Now wit that Reinaud and his brethren been scaped fro the plain of Valcolours where that ye had sent them, and they have discomfited Ogyer the dane & all the folk of Charlemagne, and also they have slain Foulques of Morillon and the earl Guimard, & so many of other knights that I can not tell you the number.  
ANd when the king yond understood these tidings: he was sore abashed of it that he wist not what he should say, and after he said. Alas how goeth this? here been evil tidings, how may this be? did they find the bushment of the king Charlemagne? Sir said the spy, yea certainly and should have been cursedly handled if their cousin Mawgys had not succoured them, & for the succour that Maugis brought with him: Ogier was discomfited & all his folk of Charlemagne, so that few of them scaped. For Mawgys brought to Reinaud baiard his good horse, that was cause of all the harm that was done there of the other part. Alas unhappy myschaunt said than the king yond and what shall I do? if I abide Reinawd, Mawgis Alard, Guycharde and Richard: I am dead without doubt, for all the world can not defend me therefro. And also it were well right, nor reynald should do but well if he slew me cruelly. For I have well deserved death, for never judas ne the Emperor Neron of Rome made so great a treason as I have done that would have brought to a cruel death the best knights of the world, that been the four sons of Aimon for the threatening of a prince. And when he had said these words: he begun for to make great sorrow, and said. Ha fair sister Clare, this day shall depart our love, ye shall never seem more. This day shall I forsake Gascoigne, for I shall never come again therein. And than he cried with an high voice. Now go hence fair lords for god's sake, be lightly ready For the need of it is now come, and let us go bring with us the best knights that I & ye have and if we may do so much to get the wood of the serpent which is a great forest: we shall be safe enough, & we shall may scape at our ease. For we shall lodge ourself within an abbey of saint Lazare, and we shall take such habit as the monks there have. And by all thus shall we may be saved. For I know so much goodness in Reinawd that when he shall find us shorn as Monks: he shall do us no harm. Than was there a spy that was called Pygwade that was so great that he had well xu foot of length, and went as fast as any horse could troth. This Pygwade had well heard all that the king yond had said, & wrote it in a skin of Parchment, and went lightly aught of Mountawban at the gate called the gate falcon, and passed through the wood of the serpent in a little while and met with reynald, his b●ethern & Mawgis that came again to Mountawban, that brought with them a great multitude of prisoners and Pigwade that great thief watched upon them. And anon he tan as fast as he might to Mountbendell and went into the pavilion of Charlemagne and called rowland and said to him. Sir I shall tell you such tidings, whereby ye shall get good enough, if ye will believe me, and I shall tell you a thing whereof ye shallbe right glad. Good friend said than rowland, thou art welcome to me, & what tidings bringest thou tell me I pray thee? Sir said Pygwade, wit it that the king Yond fleeth away all unarmed, he and all his folk and hath with them neither Summer nor Mule, but only their best horses, and they go into the wood of the serpent into a house of religion, which is named saint Lazare, & he himself is delibered for to take the habit and to be come a monk. By my faith said than rowland I shall go meet with them anon with four thousand knights, and I shall avenge reynald & his brethren upon them, and I shall make them to be hanged as traitors.  
For I never loved traitors nor never shall and God will. Sir said pigwade yet is there more, for I have found reynald, his brethren and Mawgys that came over the river of balancon, that bringeth with them many prisoners of your folk. And if ye will find them: ye must go that way. Friend said rowland ye have deserved a great reward, for ye have brought to us good tidings. Than rowland called to him Oliver, and said. Oliver my good & true fellow, light upon your horse quickly, and bring with you Guidellon and Richard of Normandy & ye sir Ogyer of Denmark ye shall come with me, if it please you, and ye shall see the great prowess of reynald the son of Aymon, and we shall take with us but four thousand men, and yet reynald is five thousand well horsed and well arrayed.  
And thus we shall mow fight with them without any advantage. Certes said Ogyer I shall go there to see how ye shall have him. And when ye have taken him: I promise you to lend you a rope if ye have need of it. And when they had all devised they mounted on horseback, and took their way. And the great ribawde guided them straight to the river of Balancon, and the king of Gascoin road than through the woods of the serpent with his folk, and he road so long that he arrived at the monastery of saint Lazare. And they prayed the abbot of the place so much that he made them monks in the devils name. This hanging: came there rowland and Oliver with their folk that entered anon into the abbey. And when the abbot saw them he came them against, and all the covent singing Te deum laudamus. And when they had song: the abbot said to rowland. Sir ye be right welcome, will ye have any thing that we may do: lord abbot said rowland we thank you with all our heart. But wit that we seek here the falsest traitor of the world, that men call the king Yond of Gascoyn the which is here within, for I will hang him like a thief.  
THan answered the abbot, ye shall not sir and please you, for he is become our monk, and also he hath taken the habit, and therefore we shall defend him against all men. When rowland heard the abbot speak so: he took him by the hood. And Oliver took the prior that was nigh and they showed them so prettily against a pillar of marble stone that their eyen leapt out of their heads. And than Rowland said to the abbot. Now master monk deliver to me lightly that devil the king yond which is the brother of judas, or else I shall make an end of you, for I have sworn that he shall never do treason more. When the abbot understood this that rowland said to him: he and all his monks fled away from him. And when Rowland saw this: he set hand at his good sword Durandall, and entered into the cloister, where he found the king Yond kneeling before an Image of our lady, and was clad with the habit of religion, and the hood upon his head And when rowland saw him: he knew him well. For he had seen him with his uncle Charlemagne. Than he took him and said to him, sir monk in the devils name con ye well your lesson, arise up with sorrow and come with me for to see the king Charlemagne. For he shall make you to be hanged as a traitor proved evil king and a fellow. Where been the four sons of Aymon that ye should have delivered unto Charlemagne? ye shallbe paid for the treason that ye have done, and I with mine hands shall avenge Reinaud and his brethren upon you, & when he had said this: he made the king Yond to be set upon a horse, and blinded his eyen with a clout that he might not see nothing. And than gave him the mokes hood upon his head. And thus sat in the saddle the face toward the horse tail, and the back forward. The king yond made none other thing but that he wished still after reynald and his brethren and said. Alas and that I did great harm, when that I consented to this mortal treason, now ought I well to die ten times if it might be so. For I have well deserved death. When the king yond had said this: he said to one of his privy counsel that he herd nigh him, how well he saw not. Friend go to Mountawban and tell reynald that he come to succour me, for he is my man, and that he take no heed to mi trespass and evil deed, but to his franchise, For & he let me die so: he shall be thereof reproved & blamed evermore, & his issue shallbe dishonoured by it. And if he can recover me: I will that he make my tongue to be cut of whereby I did consent to the treason, or else my head, if it seemeth him good for I have well deserved it against him. Sir said the knight I shall not go there, for I wots well that Reinawd will not set one foot out to save you, because of the great harm that ye would have done to him, he shall said the king yond, for I know so much by him that he shall not say there against. Sir I will than go to him with a good will sith that it please you, and god give that Reynawd his brethren and Mawgys will come and help you, for I know well that ye have great need of it but if god help you. This hanging: Oliver said to rowland, rowland good felaw mine, what shall we do with this unhappy king? friend said Rowland we shall lead him to mountfawcon, and we shall leave Balancon at the right hand. And this they did for to find reynald and his brethren, for rowland was sore willing to find Reynawd, his brethren and Mawgys their cousin, good lord said Ogyer the Dane by thy pity and myserycord grant to rowland his prayer and his will, that is that we may find Reynawd and Mawgys, for to see how Rowland shall bear himself, and if he should take them or no, for I know well that none shall put down his pride but only reynald. ❧ But here I leave to speak of rowland, Oliver, and of Ogier, and of their folk, and of the king yond of Gascoigne that they brought with them for to be hanged, and return again to show of the four sons of Aymon.   

❧ How after that Reinaud and his brethren were garnished of their wounds that they had in the plain of valcolors: they went again to Mountawban. And how they rescued the king yond from the hands of rowland. ❧ Capitulum xi   depiction of a group of armed men on horseback, including a king with crown, entering a doorway 
IN this party showeth the history, that when Reinawd and his brethren were well whole of their wounds by the help of Mawgys that had healed them: they put themself unto the way again toward Mountawban. And when they were come there: my lady Clare went against them, and brought with her two children, yonnet and Aymonet, that had wept and scratched their sweet visages so sore that there appeared of them neither eyes nor mouths, always they witted not wherefore they did so, for they were very young. And she also was all disfigured for weeping, and of great lamentations that she made, for she wist well how her brother the king yond had betrayed reynald her husband and his brethren, and wend that they had been dead. But when she saw them come: she was never so glad. And the two children ran at their father's feet, & would have kissed them. And when Reinawd saw that: he showed them away with his feet so strongly that he had almost broste them. And the lady would have taken him in her arms and kissed him: but he would not suffer her, and said to her. Lady go out of my sight to your brother that felon cruel and false traitor, for ye shall never have my love again, for it hath not holden in him, but that we should have be dead by this time if God and our cousin Mawgis had not succoured us, now go after him all a foot and without company, for ye shall not take nothing of mine and as an evil woman ye shall go your ways for ye be the sister of the king yond, the greatest traitor and the untruest king of the world, and I shall anger your children, for I fear me lest they should be traitors as their uncle. Sir for god mercy said the lady, I shall swear to you upon all hallows that I had doubt of your going, and many times I did tell you of it, through the occasion of the dream that I dreamed that night, and I told you that ye should not believe the king my brother. And not withstanding that he was my brother: I doubted this that is be fallen sith. Sir for God I cry you mercy, for in this I am nothing guilty, and so God have mercy of my soul. For I love moche better the lest toe of your foot, than all king Yond my brother, nor all the land of Gascoin. And when she had said this: she fell down in a swoon upon the feet of Reynawd. And when Guicharde saw the Lady in a swoon: he took her up & said to her. Madame discomfort not yourself so sort, let reynald say his will, for ye be our own Lady and our sister, now be of good cheer, as long as we be alive we shall not fail you and though our brother reynald fail you we shall not do so, but we shall serve you with all our heart. Brother said richard let us do one thing, go we pray our brother reynald that he pardon my lady our sister his evil will, for she is not guilty in the matter. And if we would have believed her: we should not have gone one foot out of this place, and now we ought to show the green and the russet mantles of ermines the good horses and palfreys that mi lady did give us more oftener than did reynald, now let us reward her for it for she hath mystre of it, and at the end: the friend is known. By my faith said Alarde ye say well. And than went the three brethren unto reynald and drew him a side, and after Alarde said to him. Fair brother for gods love be not thus angry, for ye know that my Lady hath no culpe at all the treason that her brother that king yond hath done to us. For if ye would have believed her: we should not have gone thither. Wherefore we pray you that ye will pardon her.  
Than said reynald, my brethren for the love of you I grant the same and I pardon her mine evil will presently. When the brethren understood him: they were right glad, and came to the Lady Clare, and said to her. Madame be of good cheer and make joy, for we have made your peace. And than Alarde and Guycharde took her by the hands, and brought her to her husband Reynawd & when reynald saw her: he went and took her by the chin and kissed her. And than began the joy and the feast right great at Mountawban. And they washed their hands and went to their meat. And thus as they sat at the table: there came in the messenger of the king Yond, that came to reynald, and when he was afore reynald: he said to him. Sir the king Yond sendeth you word by me that ye come to secure him, for other wise he cannot scape the death. For Rowland and Oliver leadeth him for to be hanged at Mountfawcon, and do this sir if it please you for god and behold not his evil will, but take heed to your goodness, for our Lord pardoned Mary Magdalen and longis of their sins. He knoweth well that he hath deserved death for the great fault that he hath done to you, and if ye slay him: he pardoneth to you his death.  
Goddes' curse have he said Alarde that shall set his foot thitherward, nor that shall buy him again though he might be had for a straw, but gods curse have Rowland if he hangeth him not as a traitor approved. when reynald had heard this that the messenger said: he looked downward and studied a good while that he said no word, & when he had thought long enough: he begun to weep beholding his brethren, for a good heart can not lie when it cometh to a need. Than said he a good reason as a noble knight. Lords said Reynawde to his brethren & to his knights, Now hear what I will say to you. Ye know how I was disherited at paris wrongfully upon a feast of Penthecoste that Charlemagne held open court and full in his palace, where was a company of great lords. For there were vii hundred knights all gentlemen both of name and of arms and a hundred what of Dukes and of Earls, and more than four score bishops, and many barons, & that time was slain the duke Benes of Aygremount mine uncle that was so good a knight as men knew well. I did ask right for him to Charlemagne afore all his court: whereof the king rebuked me and called me all to nought, and great injury he said to me. And when I saw that the king reproved me thus: I was wroth and right angry for it, & I beheld upon my brethren and knew their stomachs, and saw mine enemies before me, so needed not that I should have sought them else where. And it sufficed them not of that I had be outraged by Charlemagne: but that Berthelot outraged me of new, he and I playing at the Chess, whereof I took the chess board and smote him with it so great a stroke upon his head that I slew him afore my feet. And jews another nephew of Charlemagne would have slain my brother Richard and had hurt him all ready full sore. But I smote him in such wise with my fist that I field him down dead afore me to th'earth, & when Charlemagne wist of it: he would have made me to be killed & hewed into pieces, but my kinsmen would not suffer it, for there was great meddling so that many strokes were given. And when the meddling was ended: I mounted upon baiard & my brethren I made to mount also th'one before & the two other behind me, and thus road we all four upon my horse bayard, & so came to arden, where I did build a castle. And there Chaylemane came and besieged me, and made swear mi good father Aimon that he should never help us with none of all his goods, and that he should be utterly against us and in like wise he for closed me fro all my kinsmen that none of them was not so hardy for to have showed to us the least favour of the world. Fair brethren ye know well the great poverty that we have endured so long time. And when I saw that I wist not where to go I came into this land with such a fellowship as ye know, & I spoke to the king Yond and showed him how I had war against Charlemagne, and he showed me great love and made me great honour so that he gave me his sister to my wife, and with her a duchy, & builded Mountawban for me. And of the other part my children are his nephews, whereof th'one beareth his name, that is yonnet, and ye see them here, and I have saved him his Realm and all his land, and all his rebels I have made come to seek mercy of him, & I found him never in fault, but Charlemagne is so great and so mighty a king, and also ye know well that he hath overcome and dysshonoured many good men, and for fere of him: the king Yond betrayed us, whereof he is not to be blamed overmuch, saying that against Charlemagne nothing hath power. And therefore if the king Yond delivered me to charlemagne: it was by evil counsel that some of his barons gave him. For god made never so good a man, but that, that he misdoeth by evil counsel sometime. And how can I leave him when I have not mistrusted him afore time? me seemeth that I ought to show him goodness against felony. Therefore I pray you all that ye will make you ready, for I will go secure him. For it were great reproach to my children that their uncle should be hanged as a thief, and it were to us a great disshonour, for he is our lord, and if he had done evil: we ought to do well against it, and also we ought not to forget the benefits that the king yond hath done to us, and I promise you that the fault and the treason that he hath done is not come through his malice, but through evil counsel. For if it had be only by his motion: I would see the heart from the body of him, but I wots well nay, for Charlemagne is of so great power that every man feareth him. And therefore I tell you that I will go rescue him from rowland if I can with all my power. By my faith said Alard ye shall then go without me, for I shall not put my feet there, for a traitor ought never to be holpen nor succoured. Nor I said guichard I shall not go there. ●e shall said Richard and it please you, sith that reynald will have us to do so, for he is our Lord and our welt, & therefore I pray you fair brethren that ye will obey him. When reynald had concluded that he should go for to rescue the king Yond against the will of Alarde and of Guicharde: all the Gascoynes that were there began to cry and said, blessed be the hour that ever reynald was borne. For no man earthly is worth him of goodness and of prows, and than they said to reynald, Sir we shall give up to you all the land of Gascoigne, and shall make you the Lord of it. For there shall be never none other lord in Gascoigne but you as long as ye shall live so that for god right sweet sir that ye suffer not the king yond to be had away to Charlemagne, for it were a great shame to all them of the ream of Goscoyn that men had hanged their king. By mi soul said Reinawde ye say troth. And than he took his horn and blewe it three times so strongly that he made all Mountawban to sown with it. And incontinent without abiding they of the town went and armed them and came before Reinaud, and when they were all ready: reynald lighted upon bayard, the shield at the neck and the spear in the hand, and they were well in his fellowship six thousand men on horseback, and well a thousand a foot. And when they were out of Mountawban: Reinawd spoke to his folk and said to them, Lords remember you that your lord is in great danger and in peril of death, and but if we fight strongli: he is dead without remedy, wherefore I pray you all that ye do this day that, that shall turn to our worship. And when reynald had said these words: he went again toward his brethren and said to them, Fair brethren ye know that Rowland hateth me to death & not through my default: but only through envy. Wherefore I pray you that ye attend upon me this day: and ye shall see me do as a good knight, & this day the pride of rowland must be laid or else mine a down. When Alarde heard his brother reynald speak so: he said to him. And whereof care you● be sure and certain that as long that life is in our bodies: we shall not fail you, and with this word they put them to the way.  
And reynald took two thousand knights and gave them to Alarde and Guichard & said to them. Fair brethren ye shall make the forward & keep your men in good ordinance, & I & my brother Richard shall make the rearguard, sir said Alarde we shall do it well if god will, and than they road forth so long that they saw the folk of Rowland nigh them, & when Alarde a perceived them: he made his men to tarry and sent word to reynald that he should make haste to come, for they had found their enemies. And when reynald wist of these tidings: he made his folk to ride hastily and came anon to Alarde his brother, and when he saw his enemies: he put his folk in array, & devised his battles honestly as a good captain of war.  
THan when Rowland saw so great folk: he called to him the bishop Turpin & Guydellon of bavyer & said to them. lords now be hold, I see yonder many folk armed might that be reynald and his brethren whereof the renome is so great and of their cousin Mawgys the subtle knight? Sir said the bishop Turpyn, yea they been tho verily, and also I tell you they make themself to be well know wheresoever they go and I tell you that we cannot save us, but that we must meddle with them. When Ogier saw reynald: he joined & heaved his hands toward heaven and said. O god blessed thou be that haste suffered rowland to find Reynawde his brethren and Mawgys, certes who that gave me a thousand mark of gold I should not be so glad, for rowland hath now all his besyre, and certain I am right glad that we have found them. Now shall I see how he shall bear himself against the valliaunte Reynawd his brethren, and Mawgys, & when he had said this: he turned himself toward Rowland and said to him. Rowland now have ye that ye have desired so long, and I am glad that it is come so, for now shall I see how ye shall take them. For it ye can take them a live & bring them to Charlemagne: he shall con you great thank for it, and so shall bayard be your own that ye have so sore desired, and the war shall be thus finished. Ogyer Ogier said than rowland, these ven reproaches that ye tell me. But by saint Denys of france ye shall see or even: who shall be master of us two. Rowland said Ogier, now shall it be seen what ye can do. When Rowland knew that he must have meddling with his enemies: he ordained all his battle as he could well do, and after he set his folk in ordinance of battle the best that he might. And when reynald saw that rowland ordained his battles: he called his brethren and said to thrm. lords here come the frenshemen, yonder is rowland, Oliver, and the Duke names of Baviere, and Ogier the dane, ye shall abide here for to make the rerega●de and if we have mystre of help: come and help us. Sir said Mawgis ye make to long sermon, deliver you for we tarry to long fro sawting upon our enemies. Cousin said Reynawd ye say well, and ye speak like a good knight. For yet have I not better knight than ye be one when I see you armed by me. Now think to do well, for I go first of all for to overthrow the pride of Rowland that is so great as every man knoweth, & I pray you all that every man do his part with all his power.  
ANd when the brethren understood that Reinawd would go prove himself upon Rowland: they began all three to weep & said. A brother, & will ye that ye and we be dead all at once? For ye can slay yourself no better than to prove yourself upon rowland: For he is overmuch prue and valiant, & also he can not be hurt with iron, but we pray you that ye will assay yourself upon the other and let rowland alone. Lords said Reynawde ye have spoken full well, I know well that rowland is hardy & prue, and that his match is not in the world of knighthood, but I am in the right, & he is in the wrong which shall now turn him to a great harm, and therefore I will not refuse, but that I shall go against him but and if he will peace: he shall have it, and if he will have war, he shall find me ready to receive him thereto. For I have liefer die than be long sick. ❧ Now I pray you speak no more of it, but see that ye bear yourself well against our enemies, for we have to do against many a noble knight. Cousin said Mawgis think to assail well. For ye shall be succoured right well. Than the worthy and valliaunte knight reynald went afore all the other with his shield at the neck, and his spear in his hand sitting upon baiarde. When rowland saw reynawd come with his folk well ordered: he showed it to Oliver and said. fellow what think you by that folk? see how they come toward us in good array. Certes rowland said Oliver, reynald knoweth more of war than any other knight that lives, and the most gracious. For there is none so poor a knight in the world if he come to him, but he shall be right welcome to him, and if he come a foot: he shall set him anon on horseback. And if he be ill appointed: he shall anon array him after his estate. Is not this a great goodness of him? ye be my soul said rowland, and he doth well, For if he did otherwise: he might not abide long against mine uncle Charlemagne. And me seemeth said again Oliver, that he hath well three times more folk than we have, whereof he might well get upon us, but if we take better heed, for they been well subtle folk. Oliver said rowland ye say truth, but ye know well the G●scoygnes been cowards of very kind, and can not abide no stroke of sword, but that they will flee lightly away, that is true said the bishop Turpyn, but they have with them a good guide as any is in all the world. And wit it sir rowland, that the valiant man: causeth his folk to abide nigh him. For a worthy captain is the mirror & ensample to the other for to do well, when rowland heard this. he waxed almost mad, because men praised reynald and his folk so much, and with this: he spurred his horse and went before all his folk well the shot of a bow far, and came against Reinawd. And when Reinaud saw Rowland come alone: he said to Alarde. Fair brother beware upon as much as ye love me: that ye move not, nor your folk, but abide still here till that I have jousted with Rowland that cometh alone, and therefore I will no man help me against him. When Reinawd had said this: he spurred bayard with the spurs and came against rowland so fast that they that saw it wend the Baiard had floughe in the air. For the smallest leap that he leapt was of thirty. foot far or more. And when he was come nigh rowland as for to have jousted: Reinawd lighted down a foot, and pight his spear in the earth. And bound bayard thereat, because he should have bide there still. And ungyrte flamberge his sword and came before Rowland & presented it to him & kneeled afore him and kissed his foot, & said all weeping, damp Rowland I cry you mercy for the pity that our lord had on the cross upon his mother when he commended her to saint john that ye will have pity upon me, ye know well that I am your kinsman & how be it I am poor: yet shall I be & my brethren your men. And also I shall give you bayard & shall make you lord of Mountawban, so that it will please you to purchase our peace with the king Charlemagne your uncle, and if it please you for to do so: I shall make all my brethren to grant the same, and I shall forsake france all my life. And I promise you that I shall go into the holy land with Mawgys and my brethren, for to make war against the sarasyns, & if ye think that I say well: bring it about if ye can. For if ye do it: ye shall have a fellow and a servant of me.  
ROwland had great pity when he heard reynald speak in this manner, and began to weep full tenderly: and after said to him. By god reynald I dare not speak of it, but if so be that ye will deliver unto him Mawgys. Alas said reynald, I should never do that for to die for it. For Mawgys is no man for to be given away for to have peace And than he rose up & took his sword and his shield. And came to baiard and mounted upon him without stirope, & than he took his spear in his hand. And when he was well appareled: he went again to Rowland and said to him. Rowland wit that I shall never more cry you mercy for fere that I have of you, but I have cry you mercy for to bear you worship because that ye be of my kin, but sith that I see that ye be so proud that ye will do nothing for me nor for my prayer: I shall mow deal reasonably with you, to the end that ye shall not mow report nor say to the other Barons and knights of France, that reynald the son of Aymon hath cried you mercy for fear. The cause is such, ye have with you a great company of folk, and also I have of my side men enough thanked be god, and if our folk assemble together: it cannot be other wise, but that great harm shall fall of 〈◊〉 the sides. But and ye will: we shall fight we two together for them all without any help of other, and if ye overcome me: ye shall bring me ●o Charlemagne, that shall do his pleasure of me, & if I can conquer you ye shall come with me to Mountawban under condition that ye shall have neither evil nor shame, no more than shall my own person.  
SHall ye do this that ye have said? said rowland: ye without faut said reynald. By my head said rowland ye shall make me sure thereof first. Certes said reynald with a good will. And than reynald swore it unto him upon his part of paradise. reynald said rowland I will go take leave of my fellow Oliver, for I have promised him that all the battles that I shall undertake: he shall mow make them himself if it please him. Go than said reynald & make it short. And than rowland went again to his fellows. And when he was come to them: Hector the son of Ocdon, Oliver and Ogyer the dane asked of him saying. Sir rowland what saith reynald, have ye spoke with him? yea said rowland, and what think you by him. Certes said Rowland, reynald is a sage knight & well taught, for he hath requited me to fight with him body to body, and that our folk be still of the one side and of the other. Rowland said Oliver, ye shall do in this your pleasure, for other ye or I must fight with him, but I counsel that ye go there, for as long as I shall live I shall not be enemy to reynald only for his worthiness. For reynald is a knight of great honour. When the bishop Turpyn. Hector the son of Oedon and the other Earls heard this: they began to say, Rowland what is that ye will do? For god's mercy do it not, for reynald is of your lineage and of ours, and if ye bring him to death: we shall never love you after. Sir leave that offer that reynald giveth to you and make your folk to assemble with the folk of reynald, for it is better that they be take of your folk, than that the one of you two were dead: will ye that it be so said Rowland? yea sir if it please you.  
Certes said Rowland it pleaseth me right well and than he said to all his folk, Lords think to defend you well, for it is now need thereof. Sir said the other have no doubt of nothing, for we shall do well your commandment, and than they put themself in ordinance. And rowland began to cry mount joy saint Denys, and when came to setting on with spears: ye should have seen than many a knight brought to ground & many horse that ran maysterles through the fields so much that it was great pity for to see so great a destruction of knights as was made there. When reynald saw the two hosts must assemble together: he spurred baiard with the spurs & put himself among the thickest of the French men, and smote a knight so hard in the breast that he overthrew both horse and man to the ground. and after smote another so sore that neither for shield nor for quyras of steel he let not but that he showed the iron of his spear thorough and thorough his body, and fell dead to the earth, and wit at that stroke he broke his spear and reynald set hand lightly to his sword, and began to cry Mountawban as loud as he could. And than he made so great slaughter of frenchmen: that none durst abide afore him, but fled from him as fro the death. Shortli to speak Reynawd did so much through his strength, & through the high knighthode of his brethren: that he broke the first battle of the French men, would they or no.   
 depiction of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other, with heads and body parts on the ground 
When the little Richard, the brother of reynald saw that the frenshemen were put a back: He began to cry on height arden, as much as he might, and put himself in to the greatest press among his enemies, and began to make so great hewing of folk that it was wonderful to see. For Reinaud fought not, for to look the better upon him. And then richard that thought himself never weary of giving of strokes: began to call upon his brother, and said. reynald fair brother where been your great strokes gone that ye were wont for to give upon your enemies. Alas smite now upon them, for they been almost overcome, make that the frenshemen full of pride mock not with you, and so make we such a thing that it be spoken of it unto Paris. When reynald heard richard speak thus: he began to smile, and after he smote bayard with the spurs & began to smite better then he bid afore. Who that had seen than his great strokes depart: he might well have said that no carpenter smote never so well in wood: as Reynawd did upon the helms of steel, and upon the shields of the frenchmen. And when the frenchmen saw that the discomfiture turned upon them: they began to call rowland, and said to him. Ha Rowland what do ye? Why come ye not and help your folk? For they been dead, but if ye succour them. When Rowland understood that word, whereof he was wroth, and right sorry. And when he saw his folk so sore handled: He began to cry Mountioye saint Denys. And after spurred his horse, and entered in to the meddle. And went here & there crying Reinaud where be you gon● see me here I am all ready for to do the battle of my body against yours that ye ask of me. When Reynawd heard rowland that called thus after him He put flamberge into his sheath. And took a spear in his hand and came there as Rowland was & said to him, where are ye rowland be ye a feared of me that ye have tarried so long? for beware yourself from me, and you of me said rowland. And then they spurred their horses and did joust the one ayeull the other. And when the frenchmen and the Gascoignes saw that: they withdrew themself fro each other, for to behold the jousting of the two worthy knights, for to say the truth: there were not two other such in all the world.  
ANd when Solomon of Bretayne, and Hector the son of Oedon saw that the jousting of Reinawd and of rowland was begun: they set themselves to weep full tenderly, & came to the Duke Naimes, to the bishop Turpyn and to Oliver, and said to them, How lords may ye suffer that one of the best knights of the world, and him that we ought to love best be slain and dead before you? Certes said the duke names that shall be great sorrow to us for to see. And than he came to Oliver, & said to him. I pray you that ye go to Rowland, and tell him from us all, that he ought not to fight with Reinaud with the sword. But let him take a spear and break it upon Reinaud for to acquit his faith. For if he slay Reinaud: We shall never love him after. Lords said then Ogier let them alone, ye know not Reynawde so well as I do. reynald is no child to be made afraid so lightly as ye trow. Let them shift hardly they two together. For by the faith that I own to you, rowland shall be all weary or ever he return again. And he shall be as fain to leave the battle as shall Reynawd. And ye shall see that Rowland would he had not gone there for the best city that th'emperor Charlemagne hath. Ogier said Ector ye speak of it as for envy, certes if he should fight with Rowland: ye should well say otherwise. And than he said to Oliver. Good sir let this battle be desterred if ye may by any wise. Lords said Oliver with a good will sith that ye will have it so. And than he went to rowland & said to him all that the barons had said. Felaw mine answered Rowland, god confound them, for they take away this day the desire of my uncle Charlemagne. And than he turned him toward Reynawd, and said to him. Sir reynald ye have assayed of my sword: and not of my spot. rowland said reynald if ye have your sword I shall con you ●o thank nor gramercy for it. For I fear you not of nothing, but l●e us make an end of our battle. And to whom god giveth the victory: let him have it. Rowland would not do 〈◊〉, but did like a courteous knight, and he did as the barons had sent him word. For he took a spear and ran upon Reinaud as much as he might. And when Reinaude saw he would none otherwise do: he ran also with a spear upon rowland, and wrought each other so wonderful hard that they made their spears to flee all in pieces, and when they had broken their spears: they recountered each other with their shields so strongly that both their horses, that is to wit Bayard and Melantes stakered, and were all astonished therewithal. But with that stroke Rowland and Melantes were both felled to the ground on a heap, and Reinawd passed forth by them crying with an high voice Mountawban. Whereby I tell you for certain that rowland never fell down for no stroke of spear: but only that time. but it was no marvel. For he could not hold himself by the clouds when his horse had failed him.  
THan when rowland saw himself thus overthrown: he was not well content and rose in continente and took his sword in his hand, and came to Melantes for to cut of his head, and began to say evil courser who keepeth me that I kill the not? not sith that thou hast let fall thyself through the stroke of a child, I shall never trust thee. So help me god rowland said Reynawd ye do to Melantes great wrong. For it is long sith that he eat any meat, and therefore he can not travail like bayard for he is more strong than is your horse, and than reynald lighted down fro bayard by cause that rowland was a foot. And when bayard saw his master a foot: he ran upon Melantis the horse of Rowland & smote him with his hinder feet so great strokes that he had almost broken his thy, when rowland saw: that he was wroth for it and came toward bayard, for to have smite of his head. And when Reinaud saw that: he said to Rowland. What will ye do? it is no worship to you to smite a beast, and if ye will do any feat of arms: come to me & not to my horse for I shall give you strokes enough so much that ye shall be weary of it or we depart, but keep well that I slay not you & leave Bayard in peace. For there is not in all the world an other so good a beast. For he did show it well when he ●oan the crown of Charlemagne your uncle in your presence, and if he doth help me: he both but his devoir that a good horse ought to do, but turn your shield toward me and ye shall see how Flamberge cutteth. Reynawde Reinaud said rowland, threaten not so much. For before this day be come at an end: ye shall see a thing that shall not please you over much.  
reynald was not content when he understood the ill words of rowland, and shook all for anger, and incontinent ran up on rowland and gave him such a stroke upon his helm: that he all to bruised it, and the stroke slided upon the shield so that he cut of it a great quarter, and of the courset of steel also, but he cut nothing of the flesh. And when reynald had given rowland that stroke: he said in manner of a mock to rowland, what say ye by my sword, do it cut well or no? for I have not miss at that stroke, now keep you well fro me, for I am not such a child as ye take me for. When rowland felt that great stroke that Reinaud had given to him: he was all marveled of it, and withdrew himself a back for he would not that Reynawd should have recovered another stroke upon him suddenly, and set hand to Durandall his good sword and ran upon Reinaud, and Reynawd held his shield against it. and rowland smote in to the shield so great a stroke that he clove it by the mids through and through, & the stroke descended upon the helm and did it no harm. And when Rowland had made that stroke: he said to Reinawd Vassal ye be now quite. for I have yielded you again that ye lended me right now. Now shall I see who shall begin again. By my soul said Reinawde fowl fall have I now if I feign me now. For I did but play afore, nor your franchise shall never avail you against me but that I shall bring your pride all down to the earth. reynald said Rowland if ye do this that ye say: ye shall work marvels. And all thus as they would have begun again the battle: so came there Mawgis & all his company, & said to Reinawd Cousin mount upon bayard, for it were to great a loss if you or rowland were dead, & there came Ogier & Oliver and made Rowland to light again upon his horse. But wit it well that Ogyer had not be so glad if one had give to him a great city: as he was be cause that reynald had cast down Rowland & his horse. And when they had recountered Rowland: they began a sore battle and a cruel, and so fell that it was pity for to see, for the one hew the other without any mercy. And when Rowland saw that the battle was begun, again his heart did swell for anger by cause that Reinaud bade overthrown him to the ground, so began he to call as high as he might. Where are ye gone reynald the son of Aymon, go a side and let us parfornyshe our battle for men know not yet which is the best knight of us two. Sir said Reynawde ye have the courage of a knight that will conquer honour, but and we fight here together our folk shall not suffer it. But let us do one thing that I shall tell you. ye be well horsed and I am also, let us both swim over the river and go to the wood of serpent. For ye can not wish no better place for to fight, and we shall not be there departed th'one fro the other of our folk, but w● shall may fight there together till the one of us two be discomfited & overcome. Certes said rowland ye have well spoken and I grant it as ye have said, and than they spurrrd their horses for to go to the wood of the serpent, but Oliver took heed to them, & took Rowland by the bridle, and withheld him would he or no, and Reinaud went for to have passed over the river upon bayard that ran as the wind, and walloped so hard that he made all the earth where he passed to shake under him, & as he run in this manner: he looked afore him & saw the king yond that was avyronned with well four score knights that kept him for fear of Reinawd, lest he and his brethren should have rescued him, these knights led him shamefully as ye have heard afore. And when reynald saw the king: he was glad of it and said. Ha good lord blessed be thy name, when ye have granted me so fair adventure, and with this: he set hand to his sword and spurred bayard with the spurs and cried as high as he could, let go the king yond evil folk that ye be. For ye be not worthy to ley hand upon him. And than he entered with in them and smote a knight upon his helm so rudely that he clove his head to the hard teeth, and overthrew him dead to the earth. And when the other saw Reynawd among them: they put themself to flight, and said the one to the other. The devil hath brought this cruel man here now, let us flee, god's curse have he that shall abide him, for the soul of him that wilfully suffereth himself to be slain: shall never come to the mercy of god. And than they put themself into the thickest of the forest, and left behind them the king yond that they lodged as a prisoner. And Reynawd came straight to him and unbound him and unstopped his eyen, and after said to him Ha evil king, how have ye the heart for to betray us so falsely as ye have done me and my brethren? did we ever any thing that was in your displeasure? It is not long on you, but that we should have been all hanged by this, but I shall smite of your head even anon, and shall avenge me and my brethren upon your body. When the king yond saw reynald that had delivered him: he kneeled a down before him and said to him. Certes noble knight it is well reason that men slay me. Whereof I pray you for god that yourself will take the life fro me, and cut of my head, and let it be done by none other, and pull out my tongue wherewith I spoke that treason. For I have well deserved greater martyrdom, and all this made me do the earl of Ansom, and the earl Anthony. Now slay me for god, for such an evil man as I am ought not to live long. I have much liefer that ye kill me with your sword than that cruel king Charlemagne should make me to be hanged. Now light up said reynald, for ye shall be well paid as ye have deserved. ❧ But here leave I to speak of the king yond of Gascoigne and of Reinaud that been in the wood of the serpent, where that he tarried after Rowland for to fight with him, as he had promised unto him: and shall return for to speak of Rowland and of Oliver that spoke unto their folk for to tell them a part of their business, & how they had be discomfited.  
IN this part showeth the history that after Reinawd was departed from the battle for to go fight body to body against rowland the nephew of the king Charlemati● in the wood of the serpent: Rowland, Oliver and Ogier the Dane, fought against Alarde, Guycharde, and the little Richard, against Mawgys and against their folk, and the battle was there so sharp and so fell of one part and of the other, so that great hurt and scathe was there made of both parts, but at the last the discomfiture turned upon rowland, and upon his folk. In so much that rowland and Oliver were constrained by force for to go back again all discomfited, for the three brethren and Mawgis made against them so great effort of arms that they gate the price that day. And thus as rowland went back again all discomfited: he bore his head low, for he was a shamed that he had be so rebuked. And than Ogier said to him, Lord rowland who hath arrayed your shield of this fashion? I see your horse hur●e in the thigh and under the croper, he was felled upon the right side & you also, it is well seen on your side, I trow that ye have found Reynawde the son of Aymon, have ye brought him with you? Where have ye put him? When Rowland understood the reproach that Ogyer made unto him: he waxed almost mad for anger. So took he his sword and ran upon Ogier for to have smitten him upon the head. But when that Oliver saw this: he took Rowland by the bridle, and the earl Guidellon took Ogyer, and thus they were departed, and thus as they were departed, & that Rowland went on his way, came there after him the little Richard the brother of Reinaud, that began to call as high as he might damp rowland ye go towardely away, return again that I may see your shield, and let us have a course we two together. Knight answered Rowland. I grant thereto by my faith. And than they spurred their horses with their spurs, and Rowland came against richard so hard that he overthrew him and his horse with all in a heap to the ground. And when Richard saw himself thus a ground: he rose up quickly and came to his horse and lighted up again without any styrop. And when he was on horse back he set hand on his sword and defended himself nobly against his enemy Rowland.  
When rowland saw this, and that he knew that it was one of the brethren of reynald: he had so great joy of it that him seemed that he had been in paradise, and incontinente he began to cry Mountioyc saint Denys. And said, upon him now my friends, for if he scape us: I shall tell it to the king Charlemagne. And when that the frenshemen saw that Rowland would have taken Richard: they set all, upon him, so that they smote him with more than four swords all at once, and it happened so that his horse was killed under him, and he overthrown to the earth. And when that Richard saw his horse dead a ground: he was right sorry for it, and rose up quickly upon his feet, and smote the earl Anthony so great a stroke with his sword that he wounded him right sore. Humall the breton saw that: & he smote Richard, and Richard recovered upon him with such a stroke that he felled both horse and man to the earth. And with this: Guidellon came from behind and overthrew Richard fro the arsons of his saddle to the ground. And when Rowland saw Richard at the ground: he came to him and said. Now yield you and abide not that we slay you, for it were great damage, sir said than Richard the youngest son of Aimon to you rowland I shall yield me & to none other. For I can not yield me to no better man than ye be one. And with this he took him his sword, & rowland received it with a good will and made the little richard to light upon a mule. And thus they had him prisoner. Alas and what a damage shall it be if the prue richard be hanged? he is well like to be, but that god & Mawgys deliver him, all this mishap saw a servant of Richard. And when he saw that men led thus his master Richard: he spurred his horse with the spurs and adventured himself to pass over the river, and came lightly to Reinaud and said to him. Sir I bring you evil tidings wit that rowland leadeth with him your brother richard for prisoner well shamefully. When reynald understood these words: he was sore angry for it, that he had almost lost his wit, and after he said to the yemon, come hither tell me my friend, are they that leden my brother terre hence? Sir said the yeoman, yea, it is not possible that ye should overtake them. And when reynald understood this: he was more angry than he was tofore, and fell from bayard in a swoon to the earth. And when he was come again to himself: he beheld afore him. And saw his brother Alarde come with his folk that came after reynald by the trase. For they wend that Richard had be gone to him long afore them. And when Alarde saw Reynawd make such a sorrow: he came than to him and said in this manner. Ha fair brother, and what aileth you? It longeth nor to such a knight as ye be for to make so great a sorrow as ye do. Alard said Reinawd, ye have done full ill, for I have left my brother Richard with you to keep him, and ye have lost him, for Rowland leadeth him with him as prisoner, and he is all ready so far brought that we can nor secure him, when Alard, & Guichard understood these tidings: they began to make such a sorrow that it was marvel for to see the lamentation that they made, alas said Reinaud, what is he that hath parted our company? to day in the morning we were four brethren together & now we been but three. Ha fair brother Richard it is great damage of you, for if ye had lived your age: ye should have passed all your brethren seeing that ye were the youngest of us all and yet ye were the most hardy, and through your hardiness: ye are taken, fair brother said Alarde, all cometh by you that brought us here against our will for to secure the king yond. Now have we lost richard, whereof the loss shall never be recovered, for we shall never see him a live. And when he had said this: he said to guichard. Brother draw out your sword so shall we cut of the head of this traitor king yond therewith, for whom we have now lost our brother Richard, brother said than reynald. I pray you for the lou● that ye have to me that ye touch not the king yond for to do him any harm, for he hath yielded himself unto me, but bring him unto Mountawban, and see that he be kept sure. And I shall abide here with my good horse baiard and flamberge my good sword without any other company. So shall I go in to the pavilion of Charlemagne, where I shall recover my brother Richard or another prisoner for him: or else I shall die with him. And when he had said that word: he spurred bayard with the spurs for to have gone thither: but Alarde took him by the bridle and guichard took him with both his arms fro behind for to keep him that he should not go, and than Alard said to him, by saint Peter of rome ye shall not go no foot there, for it is better that richard: die if it must be sothan ye should die. And thus as the three brethren made their moan for richard, came there Mawgys their cousin that followed them, & when he saw his cousins make such sorrow: he was sore aghast and said to them. Wha aileth you fair cousins? it is no worship nor the manner of good knights, but of women to make such sorrow as ye do. Cousin cousin said Alard, I shall tell you what causeth us to do so. Wit that Rowland leadeth richard for his prisoner the best knight of the world after Reinawd, and Reinaud will go to the pavilion of Charlemagne, and also ye know well if he go there: he is but lost for evermore. Reynawd (said than Mawgis) it were no wisdom to you if ye went there, for your going thither should not profit you nothing, but go your ways to Mountawban, and I shall go there as ye would have gone myself, and if Richard be not dead: I shall bring him again with me unto you all were he shit up in ten prisons maugre charlemain. Cousin said Reynawd, I shall become your man●e if ye do this that ye say. Cousin said Mawgis I shall do it without fault, but leave your sorrow I shall deliver him again to your hands whole & sound if it please god: and when he had said so: the brethren set themself to the way for to return to Mountawban, but so great sorrow was there never made as the three brethren made for their brother Richard, & thus making their great moan: they did so much that they came unto Mountawban and lighted fro their horses in the base court, & after went up to the dungeon & when the noble lady Clare, the wife of Reinawd wist that her husband came: she came against him right glad and joyful and led at each hand of her both her young children. Aimon and yond, and either of them bore a little staff in their hands, and began to cry upon their uncle, vassal, but that ye be now prisoner: ye should have died by our hands, & they came nigh him and said cursed king and untrue why have you betrayed my lord our father and his brethren our uncles that have done to you so good service? sertes ye be well worthy to die a shameful death. When Alarde heard his nephews speak of this manner: he began to weep full tenderly. And thus as he wept he kissed Aimonet that bore the name of their father, and said. Ha god how been we brought low and destroyed. And when that the lady heard Alard speak these words, and saw that he wept: she thought well that it was not without a cause, and she said to Alarde. Fair brother for god tell me the occasion of your sorrow. Lady said Alarde with a good will. Now wit that we have lost our brother Richard. rowland leadeth him for his prisoner to Charlemagne, but if our lord save him: We are not like never to see him. Alas I unhappy what shall we do said the lady, sith that Richard is lost? For we shall never have honour. And saying these words: she fell down in a swoon to the earth. And when that she was come again to herself: she began for to make so great sorrow, that all they that were there had great pity of her. ❧ But here leaveth the history to speak of reynald, of Alarde, and guichard, and of the lady Clare. and of her young Children And returneth to show of Mawgys the good knight that had put himself in adventure and in pain, for to deliver richard out of the hands of the king Charlemagne.   

❧ How after that Reinawd, Alard, & Guychard were returned to Mountawban after the battle that they had by the wood of the serpent they made great sorrow for the love of Richard their brother, that was in the hands of the king Charlema●n●. And how he was delivered by t●e wit of M●wgys.   depiction of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other with lances 
NOw telleth the history, that when Mawgys was come again to Mountawban: he was so much wroth that he might no more for the love of Richard that was take. And because that Reinaud and his brethren made therefore so great sorrow. Incontinente that he was lighted from his horse, he went in to his chamber and made himself to be disarmed and after he took of all his clothes, and put himself all naked, and this done: he took an herb and eat it, & as soon that he had it: he swelled like a pad, and than he took an other herb, & chafed it and held it between his teeth, and anon he became all black as a coal in his face os one that is beaten with staves, & his eyen reeled in his head as he had be other drunk or mad, and disguised himself wonderfully, that he that had well know him afore, should not than have said that he had be Mawgys. And when he was thus turned and countrefayt: he took a great mantel and a hood & clothed himself therewith and took on his feet a great pair of boots and the staff of a pilgrim in his hand. And thus arrayed: he issued out of Mountawban. And when he was out: he set himself for to go the way so great pace that no horse could not have waloped so fast, till that he came to mountbendel, before the centes of the emperor Charlemagne or ever that rowland were come there again, and there he held him still and spoke nothing at all, but looked only upon the king and upon his pavillion. And when he went: he halted with the one foot, & leaned before the kings tent upon his staff, and kept the one of his eyen close.  
And when he saw the king come out of his pavillion: he nighed him and said God of heaven that suffered death and passion on the cross, keep you king Charlemagne fro death and from prison, and from evil treason.  
Vassal said the king charlemain god confound you for I shall never trust upon such a beggar as ye be, because of the evil thief Mawgis, the which hath deceived me many times, for when he will, he is a palmer a knight or a grifon or else a hermit, by such manner that I can not beware of him And if it please god & his blessed mother I shall avenge me once upon him how that the game goeth. And when Mawgys heard the Emperor speak of this manner: he answered nothing, and kept him still a great while, and after he said to the king. Sir if Mawgys be a thief all other poor folk be not so. I have more need of health, than I have to do any treason, and it is well seen on me that I am not the body that might do any great harm. Sir I come from Iherusalem, where I have worshipped the holy grave, and have done my oblations in the temple of Solomon, and yet I must go to rome and to saint james in galyce & God will. But I did pass yesterday over balancon and over Gironde, with ten men my servants that I led always by the way with me for to keep & defend my body. And when I had passed over Gyronde: I came with my men through a wood nigh Mountawban, where I met with many brygantes and thieves the slew all my men and all that I had they took fro me, and let me go, and glad I was when so fair I was delivered of them. And after I asked of the folk of the country what men they were that so had slain my men, and they did tell me that they were the four sons of Aymon and a great thief that was called Mawgis with them. And I asked them why they would set themself to so foul a craft & unhappy, seen that they were so great gentlemen born? and the people of the country answered me that they were constrained for to do so because they had so great poverty within Mountawban that they witted nor what to do. But I did never see so cruel a man as the same Mawgys is, for he bound my hands behind my back when he had rob me, and than he bet me so sore: that I weened to have died thereof, and hath arrayed me as ye see. Sir ye be the best king in the world and ye be the lord of all this land, wherefore I pray you for god that ye will do me right of these four sons of Aymon and of Mawgis that great thief. And when Charlemagne understood these words: he righted his head up, & said. Pylgryme is it true as thou sayest? yea sir said Mawgis. Now tell me thy name said Charlemagne. Sir said Mawgys, my name is Gaidon, & I am borne in Bretayne & I am a great man in my country, wherefore I require you in the worship of the holy sepulchre that I have sought: that ye do me right. pilgrim said Charlemagne I can not have no right of them myself, for I promise thee if I had them: all the world should not save them, but that I should make them die a shameful death. Sir said then Mawgys, sith that ye can do me no right of them: I beseech almighty god that is in heaven that it pleaseth him for to do it. Sir said the barons this pilgrim seemeth to be a good man and a true as we suppose. For it is well seen on him, give to him your alms if it please you. And thenne the king commanded that men should give him twenty pound of money, and Mawgis took them and put it in his hood, and he said in himself, ye have given to me of your own good but ye have done like a fool. I shall reward you right evil for it or ever I depart fro you, & when he had the silver: he asked for some meat for gods sake, and our ladies, for sith yesterday he had not eaten as he said, by my faith said Charlemagne thou shalt have meat & drink enough. And anon they did bring him meat, and he set him down and took and eat well of the best. And the king said to him now eat free good pilgrim. For thou shalt be well served, and Mawgys eat still & answered never a word but beheld only the king in his visage. And the king said to him tell me pilgrim and hide no thing from me, why hast thou looked so on me? sir said Mawgis I shall tell you with a good will. Wit that I am a well travailed man, but in no place that ever I was, I saw neither christian man ne saracen so goodly a prince, ne so courteous as ye be one, whereof of all the pardons that I have won in my viage making. I give you the have freely. Certes pilgrim said the king and I take it gladly. And I thank you much thereof. And Mawgys gave him for a witness of the same his palmers staff for to kiss it, than said the barons every eachone certainly sir the pilgrim hath given unto you a very fair gift, ye ought to reward him well for it. Sir said then Mawgis I ask none other reward of you for it but that it please you for to take my poor gift a worth, and that I may rest myself here a while for I am very sick & weary. And thus as the king spoke to Mawgys: came than rowland and Oliver. and all their folk, that brought Richard for a prisoner.  
ANd when Ogier & Estorfawd the son of Oedon, and the duke Naimes saw that Rowland would go to the pavilion of charlemaine with Richard: They came to rowland and said to him. Sir Rowland how can ye hate Richard so sore that ye will yield him to Charlemagne? Lords said Rowland what will ye that I shall do with him: tell me and I shall do it. Sir said they we will that ye deliver Richard and ye shall say that it was a neither prisoner. Lords said rowland if I can do this: I shall do it gladly. And these words heard a yeoman, that incontinent spurred his horse, and came to the kings tent, & said to Charlemagne. Sir I bring you tidings sore strange, we have fought by the river side of Balancon, where that Reinawd the son of Aymon hath kept his own right well against Rowland your nephew, and setteth not a straw by him. And Rowland lost there more than he won. When the Emperor charlemagne understood that word: he was abashed greatly, and after he said to the yeoman. Tell me my friend how was yet of my nephew Rowland? Sir said the yeoman, he fought with the four sons of Aimon, that defended themself well. But rowland hath brought with him prisoner one of the four sons of Aimon the which is the most hardy and the most valiant of them all in all points.  
charlemain begins than to leap for joy when he understood these tidings, and came out of his tent, and beheld and saw Richard that rowland brought, and when Charlemagne saw Richard: he knew him well incontinente, and began to cry for great joy that he had. By my soul nephew it is well seen that ye have been there. For else Richard should not have been take. Certes sir said rowland, well lied Ogierro you, for if he had not be: the four sons of Aimon were take aswell as one, and than said the king to Richard. Whoreson by the faith that I own to god, ye shall be hanged by the neck, but first ye shall have of evil and of torments enough sir said Richard I am in prison. I fear me not to be hanged as long as my brother shall may light upon bayard and that Mawgys be alive, Alarde, and Guicharde my right dear brethren, for if ye do to me any outrage: no castle, ne town, ne fortress shall not keep you, but they shall make you die an evil death or two days be passed. When Charlemagne heard Richard speak so proudly: he was right an angered for it, and took a staff with both his hands and smote Richard therewith upon his head so hard that he made the blood run out of it to the earth, and when Richard felt himself thus wounded: he vanced himself, and took th'emperor Charlemagne with both the his arms by the waste & wrestled together a long while, so that they fell both down the one here, & the other there. And richard rose up quickly and would have run upon Charlemagne but Ogyer, and Solomon seized him and kept him therefro, and after they said to Charlemagne. Sir ye have done overmuch amiss, for to beat a prisoner. Certes my lords said richard it is more dishonour to the king to smite me, than it is to me for to defend my body, but he is well wont to do such outrages, for it is not the first that he hath done, nor it shall not be the last. And when Mawgis saw that charlemain had smitten Richard: he was sore an angered therefore, that he had almost laid upon him with his palmers staff, but he thought if he had do so: both Richard and he should have be dead. And when Charlemagne saw that Richard spoke so boldly: he said to him. richard God confound me, if ye scape me for all your wickedness, for ye shall soon be hanged by the neck. Sir said Richard speak more courteously if it please you. For I shall see you sooner be flein quick than ye shall see me hang, nor ye shall not be so hardy to do so, what somever ye prate, say or crack. Charlemagne said, ye shall not scape me but ye shall be hanged or night, and would God I held as fast your brethren, and Mawgys that thief as I hold you now, for they should be hanged with you to bear you company, because ye should not be afetde. And thus as richard strove with Charlemagne: he turned himself and saw Mawgys behind him that held himself still leaning upon his staff, and he knew him well whereof he was well glad for he wist well he should not die sith Mawgys was there. And when Richard had seen Mawgis: he was sure of his life, and said to Charlemagne. Sir where shall I be hanged tell me? certes said Charlemagne at the gibbet of Mountfawcon & there shall your brethren may see you, and Mawgys your cousin. Sir it is no reason that such a man as I am should be hanged, but make peace with us & ye shall do wisely, and if ye do not so: ye shall sore repent it as I trow. And when Mawgis had hear●e all that he would hear: he made no longer tarrying, but he went out● of the pavillion and said no word, and when he was out of it: he began to walk so great apase that no horse might not have followed him, and passed through the wood of the serpent and did so much that he came to Mountawban, where he found Reinaud and his folk that waited for him. And when Reinawd saw him come without Richard: he was full sorry so that he fell do ●ne in a swoon. And Alard and Guycharde took him up and said to him. Fair brother ye do as a child, ye ought not to make such a sorrow. Hold your peace traitors said Reynawd for ye have lost the best knight of the world, for I see Mawgis come alone, wherefore I believe that Richard is dead, for if he were a live: Mawgys would have brought him with him. For he never missed of no thing that he took in hand. And when Alard, & Guychard understood these words: they took thereof so great a sorrow that they fell both down in a swoon to the earth, and when they were come again to themself they made so great sorrow that it was pity for to see. And this hanging: came there Mawgis. And when he saw the great sorrow that his cousins made: he was wroth for it, and said to them. What aileth you fair cousins that ye make so evil cheer. Alas Mawgys said Reinawd, what is done of our brother Richard. Cousin said Mawgis Richard is yet in prison, but Charlemagne hath said that he shall make him to be hanged at the gibbet of mountfawcon, and hath said that ye shall not keep him long a live lest ye and I should rescue him, and here is twenty li. of money that Charlemagne hath give me in his pavilion and made me have both meat, and drink, at my pleasure. Now shall it be seen if ye love Richard, & if ye be a good knight or not, for ye must secure and deliver him by force of arms or else he shall die, for all the world shall not keep him otherwise therefro.  
REinawd was well recomforted when he heard Mawgis speak: and after he said, sith that it is so the Richard is yet alive: if I had but myself, my brethren, and Mawgis, yet should I keep Richard fro death maugre the power of Charlemagne, & than Mawgis without any long abiding took of his cope & his hod, and took an herb & eat it, & anon the swelling went fro him, & when he was armed: he presented himself to Reinawd, and incontinent all his brethren put themself in arms, and anon they took their way toward mountfawcon. And when they were come to a bow shot nigh fro it: reynald said to his folk. Lords if ye ever loved me: think for to do now so much that my brother Richard may be rescued from this shameful death. For I promise you that I shall bring him with me, or else I and my brethren and Mawgys shall die with him. Sir said his men doubt not of us, for we shall do our devoir. Brother said than Alard, let us light here down, and let us hide ourself within that bush that we see yonder, for if we were seen: the frenshmen might kill our brother Richard, or ever they would come. Brother said Reynawd ye speak wisely, and than they lighted down a foot, and put themself in a ambushment within a wood that was nigh mountfawcon. Reinawd at the right side of it. Alard at the left side & with him Guichard and Mawgis.  
HOw they were sent to the plain of valcolors ye have well heard, and the pain that reynawd & his brethren suffered and than how they went and succoured king yond of Gascoyn that had betrayed them. And how reynald did fight with Rowland, whereof he was sore travailed, and had been all ready three days without sleep, and therefore ye ought not to be marveled if reynald his brethren and mawgis fell a sleep, and to say the troth as soon as Reinawd, his brethren and maugys' were enbushed under the sarpyn trees they fell into so hard a sleep, that they forgot Richard. Now god for his pity, have pity upon him, & keep him. For otherwise he must die.  
NOw shall we tell you of Charlemagne that was in his pavyllio, he called to him the duke Naimes and Richard of Normandy and said to them. Lords what counsel give you me? ye know that Richard the soon of Aymon is of great power, I fear me that reynald shall come to succour him, when I shall send him for to be hanged, and therefore I must send company for to with stand reynald, his brethren and Mawgis. And thus as the king and the duke names spoke together: he looked before him & saw Berenger of valois, and called him and said to him. Berenger ye are of my men for ye hold of me scotland & Wales, ye ought to come serve me in France with all your power every year once when I have need. I shall now quite you and release unto you all the service that ye own me, to you & to your heirs for evermore so that ye will take richarde the son of Aymon and see that he be hanged and strangled at mountfawcon. And if reynawd come there for to rescue him: I pray you that ye will take in hand my quarrel. Sir said Berenger I see well now that ye love me but a little, when ye send me to do such a deed, it were to me a great shame if I did it, for nothing that is to my dysworshippe I will not do with my good will, and also ye ought not to counsel me to it nor suffer me to do so, yet have I levet to serve you as my duty is for to do, than that I should do the same that ye would put me to. And when Charlemagne saw that Berenger would not do it: he called to th'earl Guydellon & said to him. Guidellon ye be my man and holdeth Bavyere of me, and ye ought to serve me at any time that I call you with three thousand men, if ye will go hang Richard the son of Aymon: I shall make you free, and shall give you the city of Mascon. I will not do it said th'earl Guydellon. But I tell you for certain that Richard shall have no harm if I may help him fro it to my power. Than said charlemain go out of my sight for ye be no good men. And than he said to richard by god yet shall ye be hanged in despite of them. Than called Charlemagne Ogier the dane, and said to him Ogier ye be my man, it is showed unto me that ye did the other day treason against me in the plain of Valcolours for love of reynald, now shall it be seen if it is true or not. If ye will go hang Richard: I shall give you the cite of Lion, and I shall give you quit of all the service that ye own me & your heirs also for evermore. By the faith that I own to you sir I shall not do it, for ye wots 〈◊〉 Richard is my cousin german, 〈◊〉 I tell you that who so ever shall ●●●ge Richard the son of Aymon: I defy him, and I shall help reynald with all my power. Go from me said Charlemagne. God's curse have ye, nevertheless by my beard said he yet shall be hanged. And when he had said so: he called to him the bishop Turpyn and said to him. Ye bishop I shall make you Pope of rome if ye will hang Richard, sir said the bishop Turpyn, what say ye? ye know well that I am a priest, if I did so: I should lose my mass and be regular, and also ye know well that richard is my cousin. Would ye that I should commit treason upon my kinsmen? certes it were against reason. So help me god said Charlemagne ye leave it neither for kindred nor for mass, but as a coward ye leave it only for fear that your crown should be beat.  
THan called Charlemagne Solomon of breton & said to him, Solomon ye know well that ye be my man and that ye hold Breten of me, I shall give you the duchy of Ansom if ye will hang richard the son of Aymon. Sir answered Solomon, if it please you to command me any other thing I will be ready to do it with a good will, but this I will not do. And I tell you for certain that richard shall have no harm if I may. Solomon said the king, ye be a traytove sith that ye will not do my commandment. And after this: he said Richard I will that ye know well that ye shall be hanged in despite of all thy kinsmen. Sir said richarde peradventure it shall be other wise thanye ween. and than Charlemagne turned himself toward rowland, and said to him Fair nenewe go and see that he be hanged I pray you. For it is well reason that ye do th'office, sith thar all the frenshemen have failed me, and also ye have taken him, wherefore ye must needs hang him, and I shall give you Coleyn upon the Rhine and so many other countries that ye shall have enough. Sir answered rowland if I did this: I should be taken for a traitor. For I have answered richard afore that I took him that he should have no harm of his body, and if ye make him die: no man shall never trust me upon my faith. wherefore I pray the xii peers of France that none of them will take the charge upon him for to see him hanged, for if he were hanged: I should be defamed. And I promise you that who shall hang Richard: I shall go to reynald and shall put myself in his prison, and if he will pardon me his brother's death: I shall help him under my oath against all men with three thousand fighting men well atayed on horseback. nephew said than Charlemagne the devil speed you, ye been all false unto me.  
ANd when Charlemagne saw that he might not bring his will about for to hang Richard: he was so wroth that he shook for anger, and rose upon his feet and said. Lords ye know well that I am the son of king Pepin and of the Queen Bethe, my father was nourished in France, and I fled in to spain to Alaffre upon the sea. And there I did so many marvels of arms that I was made knight and did conquer salien my love that forsook xu kings bearing crown for my sake and she came with me in to france, and than I was crowned king according to the right of my patrimony, and than I did wed the said lady Galyne with right great joy and weaned to have had my realm in peace, but the same day that I was crowned: the xii peers of France purposed to have made me die at christmas next following, but our lord sent me an angel and made him to tell me that I should go hide myself, the which I did so and I durst not say against it, nor I wist not where I should hide me, but god would that I should find Basin a great thief, that brought me in to a pit, and this hanging men conspired my death, but Bas● showed me all together and through his aid I took mine enemies, and I punished them afterward at my will, and so shall I do by you, if there be any that will do contrary to my wil And I am delivered to inquire each of you by this manner for to see who shall be false or true to me. When Charlemagne had said this: he turned toward the son of Oedon and said to him. Escoufe come forth I have brought you to great honour and we have nourished you full dearly, ye know that ye hold langres of me, yet shall I do to you much more good than I have done, for I shall give to you th'earldom of mounfertaunt & of cleremount so that ye will go hang that whoreson Richard, sir said Escoufe ye wots well that more Oedon holdeth all the land that ye speak of, and I had never nothing thereof, but I am fellow with rowland in arms. And when I shall be lord of that land that my father holdeth in his hand: I shall fulfil your commandment, by saint Denis of France ye must go see that he be hanged said Charlemagne and I shall make you lord of more lands. Sir said Estorfawd, is it earnest that ye speak? yea said Charlemagne. By my head sir said Estorfawde, ye would not be with me for to see Richard hang for half of your realm. When the king heard that he was thus reproved: he took a staff and cast it after Estorfawd, but Estorfawd start from his place, and the staff broke in pieces against a post. And when the xii peers saw that: they went all out of the pavilion of Charlemagne, and when that Charlemagne returned him, and saw that none of all the xii peers would abide there with him:  
Than he said to the duke names where be my xii peers gone? sir said duke names, they been all gone out of your pavilion, and not without a cause, for it becometh not to such a noble king as ye be to smite his barons, for ye should be sore blamed.  
THan when charlemain saw this: he called to him Richard of montrolonde & said to him, come forth richard of montrolonde, hear what I shall tell you, ye know well that ye be one of them that I love best in this world but ye must do one thing at my request. It is that ye will go hang Richard the son of Aimon at the gibbet of mountfawcon. Than Richard of montrolonde answered. Sir I shall do so with a good will, for I am your man and so I ought not to refuse your commandment, but by my soul sir Emperor if ye will that I go hang Richard: ye shall come with me with a thousand knights well armed, and I shall hang him where soever to please you. And if Reinawd and his brethren come there for to rescue: I shall jeopardy mine own body for to save yours. Now see to if ye will do this or no, for none otherwise will I not go there one foot. Go from me glutton said Charlemagne, gods curse have thou.  
THe king than called to him the duke names, and said to him. What counsel give you? sir sir said the duke Naimes, good if ye will believe me, sir ye wots that reynald, his brethren, and Mawgis are the best knights of France, as every man knoweth well, this war hath lasted right long. For it is well xvi. years that it began first, and many a noble knight hath be slain for the same, if it please you ye shall send word to Reinaud, Alarde, Guychard, and Mawgys that they will become your men, and ye shall deliver again unto them their brother richard alive, and that ye will do make Reinaud and Alarde of the xii. peers of France. And when Reinawd & his brethren shall see that ye have done to them so great worship: they shall serve you with good heart, and so that ye shall con them great thank for it, and I ensure you ye shall be the more dread and more redoubted for cause of them, and if ye have once the four brethren and Mawgis their cousin to your friends: there shall be no prince in all christendom so hardy that dare move water against you, and I promise you sir that the more that ye keep this war against them: the more shall ye lose thereby, and moreover they be all of our house by their father Aymon, this know ye well, and therefore I can not hate them by no wise, names said Charlemagne. I will not do so for they all have done amiss against me and so shall I do hang Richard by the faith of my body, sir said the duke names ye shall not do so and god will, for he is of great lineage & of our lineage, for we should never may suffer it nor endure, and ye also should be blamed full sore for it. But and ye will make him die: I shall give you better counsel. Tell me how said charlemain, & I shall do it, if it seemeth me good, Sir said the duke names sith it please you that Richard shall die: let him be cast into a deep prison under the earth, and make him to be kept surely therein that he scape not away, and command that no meat at all be brought unto him, and so shall he die for hunger. And ye shall not be blamed if ye do so. names said the Emperor Charlemagne, ye do jape with me. I know it well when ye do tell me this, ye know well that Mawgis is to great a necromancer. For I should never may keep Richard in prison, but that Mawgis would have him out through his craft, and therefore I will not do as ye say. Than came Ogier the dane, and said to the duke names, ye make to long a sermon, let the king do with it, as it pleaseth him, For the more that ye pray him: the worse shall he do, but he shall make peace when he see that he can none otherwise do. But this day shall be seen who loveth richard. And when Ogier had said this: he went out of the pavilion, and Escoufe with him and Richard of Normandy, the bishop Turpin and Guidellon of Bavyere, and made their folk to be armed, & when they were armed: they were well xii thousand men. And than Ogier began to cry with a high voice. Now shall it be seen who shall be so hardy for to lead Richard the son of Aimon to hanging. For such shall bring him that never shall come again, but he be headless, and Ogier went in to the pavilion where richarde was, that was bound both hands and feet, and was blindfeld. And when Ogyer saw richard that was thus arrayed: he had of him great pity, so went he to him to have delivered him, but he advised himself, and said that he should not do it, but he would tarry for to see an end of it what the king should do thereof. And when richard heard Ogier speak: he called to him and said in the presence of the duke Naimes and of richard of Normandye, of Guydellon of Bavyere, and of the bishop Turpyn, and of rowland that than happened to come there. Fair lords I know well that if it were at your pleasure: ye would let me go quyce, and all enough ye have travailed yourself for me, whereof I thank you right much, but sith that I must needs be brought unto the gallows: it is better that I poor unhappy die alone, than that ye should have any harm for my sake, wherefore look that ye lose not the good grace of Charlemagne, and I pray you that ye will go unto him and tell him that he do his will upon me, for I have liefer die shortly, than to live long in sorrow. When Ogier saw richard speak so: he was so sorry for it that he fell almost down to the ground for great sorrow in swoon, and said to richard in anger. What sayest thou fool detestable wilt thou be hanged? for if we said the same that thou sayest to Charlemagne: all the gold of the world should not save thee, but that thou shouldest soon be hanged by the neck. I care not said richard, hap as it hap will. And than he turned himself toward rowland and said to him. I pardon you sir rowland here and afore god the faith that ye have promised me, and that ye gave me when ye took me afore Balancon And when Ogier heard this: he waxed almost mad for great anger, and said to rowland. Sir believe not richard, for he speaketh as a man that is vexed in his spirits, and not without a very great cause, but keep unto him the faith that ye have promised to him, for it shall be your great worship, if ye do so. Ogier said rowland, doubt not. I shall keep to Richard all that I have promised him and more. When richard heard that word: he called to him Ogier & said. Fair cousin for god keep your peace, for I have seen here Mawgis right now, and I wots well he hath not forgotten me. For by the faith that I own to you such shall lead me to the gibbet that shall soon lose their head, and many other more with him. Cousin said Ogier is it troth that ye say that ye have seen Mawgis here? yea said Richard without any fault, than said Ogyer, blessed be the good lord of these tidings, now have I no doubt of richard sith that my cousin knoweth of it. And than all the xii peers of france lighted a foot, and came to king Charlemagne and said to him. Sir we been all your men sworn to you. All that we have said and done: We did it for to see whether we might have delivered out cousin from de●the by your good will, but sith that it pleaseth not to you that he be saved and that ye will that he be hanged: We will not speak no more against it, because that ye anger yourself to sore. Now send richard to be hanged by who me ye will, for he shall not be letted of us therefro.   

❧ How the emperor Charlemagne sent Rypus for to hang Richard. And how that reynald succoured him and hanged Rypus himself. Capitulum xiiii   depiction of a bound prisoner in an execution procession, with legs hanging in the background; and of an unseated knight or king with crown beside a horse, with two armed knights on horseback standing over him 
THan said Charlemagne, by my faith now ye speak well and wisely, & now I pardon you all, and than Charlemagne called to him Ripus of ryplemond and said to him Rypus if ye will do so much for me that ye will go hang richard: I shall make thee lord of great lands and ye shall be my chamberlain all your life. Sir said rypus I am all ready to fulfil your commandment, for Reynawd slew my uncle beside balancon, ye speak now well said Ogyer, ye shall be a coward but if ye avenge yourself at this time. And when rypus understood Ogier speak thus: he thought himself the more sure for it, and right humbly and curteousli he kneeled down tofore the emperor Charlemagne, and kissed his feet & after he said to him. Sir I am ordained for to do you service and your commandment. If it please you ye shall make me sure that when I shall come again fro the hanging of Richard: that none of your xii. years shall not a wait me none evil turn for it afterward. By my faith said Charlemagne I will do so with a good wil And than he said to rowland and to Oliver, and to all the twelve peers of france. Lords I will that ye promise him that he shall not be hurt by none of you, nor in time to come by no manner of wise, by cause I make him to hang richard. The which thing all the xii. peers promised him with a good will. And when typus had taken the oath of the xii peers of france for his surety: he went to his own tent, and made him to be armed, And when he was armed: he lighted on horseback, and came before king Charlemagne. And when the Emperor saw him: he said to him. Rypus take a thousand knights with you for to keep you, and if Reynawd or Mawgis come there: take them and hang them with richard. Sir said rypus I shall do your commandment. And than the king made them deliver Richard. And when rypus had him: he put him to the way and mounted Richard upon a mule, and put a halter at his neck & so led him forth like as it had be a strong thief, and brought him before the pavilion of Charlemagne. And when the king saw him: he was glad of it and said to rypus. would god that all the other sons of Aymon were in the plight that Richard is now in, for I should well avenge you and myself also upon them.  
When the frenshemen saw richard that was led to hanging so vilaynouslye: they began to make such a sorrow for him that it was marvel, so that none so great was never seen. Rypus road on his way and did so much that he came to Mountfawcon. And when ripus did see the Galous set up: he said to richard. By god richard see yonder is your lodging, where ye shall be hanged by mine own hands, this day shall be avenged the death of Foulques my uncle that Reynawd slew besides Balancon, the succours of Mawgys is now far fro you, for he can not keep you, but that I shall hang you now in despite of Reinaud and of your other brethren. when richard heard rypus speak so proudly & saw that he was so nigh the gibbet, and that he saw no succours coming of no part: he was sore aghast and a feared, & thought he would keep rypus with words & said to him. Ripus for god have pity upon me, for I am no man that should be hanged by reason, but I ought to be delivered with you, and if ye will deliver me: I shall give you two hundred mark weight of fine gold, and I shall make you a great lord. Certes richard said ripus ye speak for nought, for I would not leave you but that ye should be hanged for ten of the best cities of france. Rypus said richard sith that ye will not have pity upon my body: have pity upon my soul, and I pray you as much as I can that ye will make a priest come to me for to shrive me, certes said ripus ye shall have one with right good will. And than he made come a priest, some say that it was a bishop for to shrive richarde, the which began to shrive himself and showed to the priest many more sins than ever he did in his days, and this he did for to length the time, and to see if he should have any succours or no. And when Richard saw that his help came not: he waxed almost mad, & said to his confessor. Sir I wots not what I should more say, give me absolution, & he gave him penance according to the term of his life and the confessor went from him all weeping. And when rypus saw that richard was confessed: he came to him and put the halter about his neck, and made him mount upon the ladder & did shut the chain whereat he should hang. And when richard saw that his brethren came not for to save him: he wend none other but that he should have died, and delybered himself for to suffer death at the hour, and than he said to ripus. My friend I pray thee for God that thou suffer me a while till I have said an orison that I did learn in my youth to the end that god have mercy on my soul. I will not said ripus, thou shall have no longer respite. Sir said his men, yes, ye shall if it please you. For if he may do so much that his soul be saved: he shall pray for you in the other world, and for us also. And than rypus gave respite to richard, whereof he did like a fool. And than Richard turned himself toward the cast, and began to say his prayer with a good heart and devoutly. For he trowed to have death without remission, and he said in this manner.  
GLorious Jesus' by thy blessed name, that made heaven and earth, and all the elements that been, and went in this world as a poor man. And saved jonas from the belly of the fish. And in Bethleem reisedest Lazaron. And delivered Daniel from the pit of the Lion. The sins of the thief, ye did pardon on the Cross, where the felons jews had crucified you. Also to Mary Magdalene her sin ye forgave in the house of Simon. For she washed there your feet with her great devotion. judas the false traitor murmured through envy whereof ye did show to him that he did great folly, and judas kissed you by great treason, and delivered you to the jews, whereof he was rewarded after his deserving. Good Lord ye created and made our father Adam of the slime of th'earth, and Illumyned him with the grace of the holy ghost, and after ye did abandon to him the fruits of paradise, but he broke your commandment, whereby mankind went to dapnation, and we all were dampened without remission, but after ye redeemed us by the merit of your blessed passion, ye did suffer great evils and great afflictions for us poor sinners without any devotion. When Longys' did shove the spear in to your dign side the water ran out of it and also the blood septe into his eyen, whereof he recovered his sight, ●nd ye pardoned him his sins, when he called upon you for mercy. And also to Noah ye let make by your carpenters an ark for to save himself, and of every beast a couple. In josaphat good lord ye brought your Apostles where ye did make a fair miracle for with ii fishes and five loves of barley, ye fed five thousand men all their fill. O good lord, as I do believe this that I have said steadfastly: keep this day my body fro death that is so nigh that I be not hanged nor put in prison, but deliver me from the hands of my enemies, that I be not vyrupered nor brought to shame by Rypus of ryplemond that holdeth me in his gins. Ha reynald my right dear brother that ye be not here now with my brethren and with my cousin Mawgys, ye have now forgotten me and let me here die, wherefore I recommend me to god of heaven. And than Richard began to weep full tenderly and said to Rypus. Rypus do with me what ye will.  
Now shall we speak of bayard the good horse of Reynawd, of his brethren and Mawgis. It is truth that baiard the horse of Reinawd the son of Aymon that came of the ferry, and thus he understood the word when it was spoken as well as it had be a man, when baiard understood the noise that the folk made about the gallows and faugh that his master slept fast, he came to Reinaud and smote him so hard with his feet in the mids of his shield that he made him awake. So leapt Reynawd upon his feet all afraid and beheld what it was and looked toward Mountfawcon and saw his brother upon the ladder, so made he none other tarrying but lighted upon bayard that ran as the wind, for at every time he leapt xxx foot in a plain ground. And Alarde, Guycharde, and Mawgis awoke for love of bayard that made great noise.  
And when they were all awaked: Mawgis began to cry as high as he could upon his horse, the devil speed the evil beast that thou hast let me sleep so long, and than he lighted quickly upon his back, for there was no better horse in all the world after bayard.  
When Rypus of riplemonde that would have strangled Richard saw come his brethren and Mawgys: he was so sore abashed with it that he witted not what he should do, & he said than to Richard. richarde ye be delivered out of my hands, for here comen Reynawd and Mawgys, and all their puissance that come for to succour you, and if it please you, ye shall have mercy on me. For this that I did for to have brought you here: it was but for to have a way the debate that Charlemagne had with the xii peers of France, and I knew well that ye should be rescued without any fault by your brethren and of Mawgys Ripus said richarde mock not with me, for here is to hard a mock for me, and ye win not much by for to gabbe me of this fashion. By my soul said ripus I mock you not, it is in good earnest that I say, ye may see them here not a bow shot a far nor I seek not to do you any harm but go down fro the ladder, and have mercy on me I beseech you for god's love.  
richard was marvelously abashed when he heard ripus speak, and he turned his head a side and saw reynawd that came a good pace, and when he saw him: he said rypus I shall never claim my brother reynald for my brother, if he hang you not by the neck to the same gibbet where as ye thought to have hanged me right now. This hanging that richard spoke to ripus: reynald was arrived and heard this that Richard had said to Rypus. And reynald began than to cry with high voice, so help me God Ripus ye be dead, for ye be a cursed man, and for your cursedness: I shall hang you my own self at this gibbet, so shall you be possessor of my brother Richard's place, for all the power that Charlemagne shall make: shall not save you therefro. This hanging: came there Mawgis sore chafed & said to Ripus. Ha Ripus thou traitor evil man ye have always be ready to do some evil against us, but sith that I have found you here I shall not seek you no where else, & than Mawgis bore up his spear for to have pierced his body therewith, but Reinaud cried upon him, Cousin touch him not, for I would not for a great thing that another than I should slay him, for I shall avenge upon him my dear brother richard, and than he drew out Flamberge and smote ripus with it such a stroke that he felled him dead to cherch at the foot of the ladder, and after he said to his brethren, keep well that none of his folk scape but that they be dead or taken. And than reinawd descended a foot and went upon the ladder, and took richarde between his arms and brought him down, and unbound him hands and after he kissed his mouth and said to him. Brother how do ye, feel yourself, are ye not ill at ease?  
BRother said richarde I have no harm, but let me be armed I pray you. By saint johan said reynawde ye shall be armed anon. Brother said richard let me have the armours of ripus of Riplemonde, with a good will said Reynawd And incontinent he made Rypus to be had from his harness and made his brther richard for to be armed, therewith he made him to light on horseback & took him his shield and his banner. And when richarde was well a parelled: reynald took the halter that rypus had put about Richard's neck, and put it about Ripus neck and after he mounted upon the ladder and drew him all dead, & hanged him there as he would have hanged Richard, and with him well xu more of his company such as king Charlemagne loved most. And when he had hanged them: he said to Richard. Brother thus many shall keep here watch in stead of you. When this was done: Mawgis came to reynald and said to him. Cousin tell me who waked you so well in time as ye were? cousin said reynald, by the faith that I own to god I slept as hard as though I had not slept in xii nights afore, but bayard my gentle horse awoke me, than said Mawgys. O gracious Lord of heaven blessed be God that made such a horse, it is not the first good turn that Baiarde hath done to you my cousin nor also it shall not be the last. And they all went and kissed baiard for the goodness that he had showed unto them.  
MY lords said than reynald what shall we now do? We have wrought well, sith that we have rescued the gentle Richard whole & sound, me seemeth that we ought to go to Mountawban, so shall we recomfort Clare my wife & my two children that been all evil at ease for the love of reynald and so shall we eat and sleep at our ease, for we have well need thereof, and we shall do justice of king yond that so falsely hath betrayed us. And after to morrow we shall assail charlemain that we love not, and we shall leave five hundred men within Mountawban, and as many above Mountbandell that shall secure us if need be. And than said Richard, sir if it please you ye shall not do so. For ye know not the sorrow, & the great lamentation that the french men made for love of me in the host of Charlemagne. And I promise you ye ought well to love Ogier, Rowland, Estorfawde the son of Oedon, Richard of normandy, the fair Guydellon. Solomon of bretayne, and eke Oliver of Vien. For they took great debate for me with charlemain within his pavilion, and all this they did for the love of you, for they wend all for certain that Ripus should have hanged me, & that I should have no succours, but and it please you give me leave that I may show me to Ogyer the dane & to all other our kinsmen that be in charlemaine's court, for they shall have great joy for to see me scape from the death.  
THan said reynald: forsooth Ogyer did like a valiant man, for men ought for to love their friends & help them when it is need and reynald said. Brother the son is almost under all ready. I fear me sore of you if ye will go into the host of Charlemagne, but and ye will needs go there: take with you four hundred knights well horsed and well armed, & put them in a bushment nigh by where ye go, and I shallbe here with mi folk, and ye shall take with you Bondy my good horn: & if ye need of any help: sounne it high as ye can well do, & I shall secure you incontinent. Sir said Richard be it as it please you. And than Reinaud took his horn to richard & four hundred knights, and richard took on his way & bare the banner of Rypus with him, and he did so much that he came to the host of Charlemagne, & the king stood armed afore his, pavilion, with his folk that kept the way of Mountfawcon, and they saw come the banner of Rypus, as it had be borne by Ripus himself upon his horse.  
THan when Ogyer saw richard come out: he wend it had be Ripus of Ryplemonde, that had hanged Richard, & of the sorrow that he took for it he fell down to the earth in a swoon. And after when he was come again to himself: he said, Alas we have lost richard, we shall never have him a gain.  
Now it is well seen richard that ye had few friends. And with this he spurred his good horse Brayford and came against richard, for he trowed verily that it had be Ripus. And when Charlemagne saw that Ogyer the dane run toward Ripus: he said to his folk go after him barons I shall now see which of you is my friend or my foe here cometh Rypus, certainly he hath done well his devour and hath done me good service, for he hath made me quite of richard one of my mortal enemies, and now Ogyer will kill him in treason, but and I can hold him: I shall do such justice upon him that it shallbe spoken of it long time here after. And than spurred their horses frenchmen and bourgoyns after Ogyer, and Charlemagne himself went after him, but Ogier was all ready far from them, wroth and fierce as a lion, & he cried as high as he could. So help me god Rypus ye be dead, & ye shall have a reward of that ye have done unto my cousin richard & I promise you Charlemagne shall not come time enough for to save you from my spear. When Richard heard Ogier speak thus: he said, have mercy upon me my fair cousin, for I am Richard your cousin and not Ripus, for we have hanged Rypus in my place, & I promise you my brother reinawde hath well avenged me upon him and therefore I am come for to show me to you and to my other kinsmen for I wot well that ye shall be glad thereof, ye make losing false traitor of riplemonde said Ogyer, but ye shall not scape me so. When Richard saw Ogier so sore chafed with wrath: he said unto him. Cousin know you not me? nay without fawt said Ogier. For ye bear the arms & the banner of Rypus, I have done so sir said Ri●hard because that I should not be known. By my soul said Ogyer. I will see your face naked. For otherwise I will not believe thee, that ye say. Sir said Richard, and ye shall see me anon. And than he unbuckled his helm & showed his visage. And when Ogyer saw him: he was right glad and went and kissed the mouth of Richard full sweetly, and took him in his arms many times and said to Richard all laughing. Cousin what have ye done of Ripus? by mi faith said richard, he is now archbishop of the fields giving the benediction with his foot. For my brother reynald hath hanged him with his own hands, & would not suffer that none other should set hand upon him, but only himself, by my soul said Ogier, he hath done right well. And than he said to richard, fair Cousin see to yourself, for here cometh Charlemagne, and god be with you, & thus returned ogier. And when Charlemagne saw Ogier: he said to him, why went ye toward Ripus afore me? Sir said Ogier if ye were not so nigh me: I should smite of his head. But I dare not do it for love of you, go ye to him, for I make you sure, he shall have none harm by me. Then said Charlemagne, I shall defend him against all men. And than he spurred the horse with the spurs & came to Richard weening to him that it had been Ripus and said to him, come near my special friend Ripus, and take no fear of nothing. For I shall keep you against all men. When richard heard Charlemagne speak thus: he said to him. I will that ye know now that I am not the false traitor Ripus, but I am Richard the son of Aymon, and I am the brother of reynald the best knight of all the world, and of Alarde and of guichard, and cousin to the valiant Mawgis that ye love so much, ye smote me to day in the morning with a staff in the head, whereof ye mysdyd greatly, and therefore my brother reynald hath hanged your right well-beloved rypus there as he would have lodged me, and xu of his fellows with him for to bear him fellowship, now beware of me for I defy you. When Charlemagne understood these words: he was so sore an angered of it that none can be more, and spurred his horse and ran upon richard, & Richard against him, and gave the one to the other so great strokes in their shields that they broke both their spears all in peers. And with the same they recountered each other with their bodies so mightily that the strongest of both abandoned the stiropes, but it happened well to Charlemagne that he abode within tharsons of the saddle, but Richard fell down to the earth. And when richard saw himself a ground he was wroth for it & rose up quickly and set hand unto his sword, and went and smote Charlemagne upon his helm so great a stroke, that he ma●e him all astonied withal, but the sword slided upon the helm that was good and five down unto the horse neck so hard that he cut it a sunder, and with this stroke: he felled the horse sterke dead, and by all thus was Charlemagne brought to the ground And when Charlemagne saw himself a ground: he was sore an angered for it, and leapt upon his feet right quickly and took his sword in his hand, and smote Richard upon his helm so hard that he made him reel withal, and than begun between Charlemagne and richard a sore sharp meddling. And when they had fought a great while together: charlemayne began to cry Mountioye saint Denys. And when richard heard this: he drew him a side, and took his horn and souned it right high, so that his brethren heard it well and so did Mawgys. And than incontinent they spurred their horses, and came toward richard for to secure him. And than said Mawgys, I doubt me that richard is taken, but we shall die all with him, or else we shall have him again.  
Great diligence made Reynawde for to succour Richard And when he was come where he was: he cried suddenly Mountawban and Alarde pavereyment Guycharde Balancon & Richard, arden and Mawgis went & ran upon a knight that was called magon other wise Samson Lord of Pierrefrit and wrought him such a stroke: that he felled him dead to the ground, & Reynawd smote upon another knight by such a wise thar he showed his sword through and through his body, & guichard smote another with his sword so fiercely that he cleaved his head in two pieces, & Alarde smote the fourth knight upon his helm so great a stroke that he cast him dead to fore his feet, & after he ran upon another knight richly arrayed and gave each other such strokes that they both fell down from their horses to the earth, & than came there Reynawde that did so much that the said knight was taken prisoner, which was called Hugh of Almaigne & brought him to mountawban. what shall I tell you more? the battle began to be fell, & so cruel that it was great pity for to see, for the one spared not the other, but slew each other as thick as beasts. And when reynald saw all ready that the Sun was gone under & that the night came fast on: he was in a doubt for his brethren, & said good lord through thy mercy and redemption, keep me & my brethren from death and from prison, for the night that is at hand maketh me to be afeard. And as he spoke these words: came there king Charlemagne as fast as his horse might walop against reynald, and reynald against him, because he knew him not, & smote each other so hard in their shields that they made their spears to flee in pieces, and recountered together both with their bodies & shields so marvelously that they overthrew each other to the ground, and than they rose quickly both at ones & set hand to their swords, & than Charlemagne began to cry Mountioye saint Denys, and after said, if I be outraged by one knight only: I ought not for to be a king nor to bear crown. When reynald understood Charlemagne speak: he knew him well & withdrew himself a side & said. Alas how am I defamed? it is charlemain to whom I have lousted, I have misprized to sore for to have set hand upon him. Ha good lord, it is well xvi years a gone that I spoke not once with him, but I shall now speak to him if I should die for it, for by reason & right: I ought to lose the first, wherefore I will make to him a mends presently, and let him do with me what he will, and when he had said this: he went to Charlemagne and kneeled before him and said to him. Sir for God I cry you mercy, give me truce till that I have spoken with you. With a good will said Charlemagne, but I wot not who ye be: how be it that ye have jousted with me. I thank you humbly said Reynawd of that it pleaseth you to say so by me. Sir wit that I am Reynawde the son of Aymon, and I cry you mercy. And for that pity that our lord had upon the cross of his mother when he recommended her to saint john his disciple, I beseech you that ye will have pity upon me and upon my brethren, ye know that I am your man, and ye have disherited me of my lands and have chased me out of France. It is a go xvi years, and by cause of this are dead so many noble knights and valiant men and other in so great numbered that it can not be said. For God ye see well what loss that cometh of the war: for a lord that hath no piti in him hath a heart as hard as a stone. And therefore sir I beseech you for god that ye have merci on me and of my brethren that been such knights as ye know. I speak not these words for fear of death: ne for covetise of richesse. For god gramerri we have goods enough, but I speak it for to have your love only. Sir suffer that we have peace with you, and we shall become your men for evermore and we shall swear to you faith and ligeance, and also I shall give you Mountalban and my good horse bayard, which is the thing that I love best in this world after my brethren and Mawgis. For there is not in all the world such another horse. And if this cannot satisfy your mind I shall do yet more, pleaseth it to you for to pardon my brethren, and I shall for swear France for evermore that I shall never be seen there. And I shall go to the holy sepulchre in jerusalem bare foot for the remembrance of you, and I nor Mawgys shall never come again into France but we shall war still on god's enemies as been turks and Sarasyns.   depiction of an unseated knight or king with crown beside a horse, with two armed knights on horseback standing over him; and of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other, with heads and body parts on the ground 
THan when charlemain hear de reynald speak thus he answered him and said. reynald ye speak for nought, ye did an over great folly, when ye took that hardiness upon for to speak with me in my palace as ye did, and yet ye did worse when ye slew my nenew berthelot that I loved so much, & now ye speak of peace & ye cry me merci. I promise you for certain that ye shall have no peace with me, but if ye do that I shall tell you. Sir said Reinaud what shall that be tell me I pray you? I shall show it to you with a good will said Charlemagne and if ye do it, ye and your brethren shall accord with me, and I shall give you again your heritage, and yet I shall give you enough of mine own. It is that ye give me Mawgis in my hands for to do my pleasure with him. For I hate him more than any thing in the world. Sir said reynald, if I should deliver him to you, what would ye do to him reynald said Charlemagne I promise you I should make him to be drawn shamefully at four horse's tails through Paris, & after that I should take from the body of him the limbs one after another, and than I should make him to be brent and his ashes to be cast at the wind And when he shall be arrayed as I tell you: let him than do his incantations & his magic as he will, & I pardon him all that he can do to me after y●. Than said reynald to the King. Sir would ye do it in deed as ye say? yea said Charlemagne in good faith. Emperor said Reinaud would you not take towns ne castles, gold nor silver for the ransom of Maugis? certes nay said Charlemagne. Sir said reynald than shall we never be accorded together. For I tell you for certain that if ye had all my brethren in your prison, and that ye were delibered for to make them to be hanged: yet should I not give you mawgys for to have them delivered out of your hands. Hold your peace than said Charlemagne and beware of me for otherwise get ye no peace with me. Sir said reynald I am sorry for it. for we be no men that ought to be cast from your sexuyse, and sith that ye defy me: I shall defend me, and our lord shall me do that grace if it please him that I shall not betake of you. And when Charlemagne heard this: he was sore angry and ran upon reynald. and when reynald saw him come upon him he said to him. Sir for god mercy suffer not that I set hand upon you, For if I should let myself for to be slain by you: I wax well a myschaunt. Vassayl said Charlemagne these words availeth you not for ye must needs defend yourself. And than Charlemagne smote him with joyuse his sword upon his helm. and the stroke slided down upon the shield of Reinaud so that he kytted quite and clean a great part thereof. When Reinaud felt so great a stroke that king Charlemagne had given him: he was sore an angered for it. He vanced himself forth and caught the king with both his arms by the back, & by the waste in manner of wrestling. For he would not smite him with his sword flamberge, and took & laid him upon the neck of his horse bayard, for to have brought him with him to Mountawban without any other harm.  
And when Charlemagne saw that he was handled of this fashion: he began to cry as loud as he might. Mountioye saint Denys, and than he said, ha fair nenew rowland, where be you? Oliver of vienne and ye duke names, and bishop Turpyn, shall ye suffer that I be thus taken and brought as a prisoners and if ye do so, it shall be a great shame to you all, reynald began than to cry Mountawban as high as he could when he heard Charlemagne speak so. And after he said, ha my brethren and ye cousin Mawgis come hither, and let us go, for I have given the king such a check, that if we can now bring him with us, we shall have peace in France from hens forth on. Than the noble peers of France as Rowland, Oliver, & the other came to the succours of Charlemagne, and of that other part came there for to help Reynawde his brethren and Mawgis, & well four hundred knights well armed. And when the valiant knights were assembled together of both parties: ye should then have seen a marvelous battle.  
For they slew each other as beasts and there were so many spears broken, and so many shields cloven and hewed into pieces, and so man● helms unbuckled, and so many a quiras broken and pierced, and so many horses that drew after their guts a long in the fields, and so many a man slain that it was pity for to see. And when Rowland was come to the meddle: he went upon reynald and gave him so great a stroke upon his helm that he was all astonied therewith, and after he said to him. Vasell ye have done evil that ye trowed to have brought away the king in this manner of wise, ye wots well it is to heavy a burden for to lead of this fashion, ye shall leave him, and yet ye shall abye full dear for it or ye escape me. And when Reyn●wde saw that he was thus reproved, and felt the great struck that rowland had given to him upon his helmet: he was wroth, and took his sword in his hand, holding always Charlemagne afore him upon bayards neck & came to Rowland and said to him. Damp rowland come forth so shall ye wit how flamberge cutteth, And when rowland understood him: he came upon him, & when reynald saw him come: he let fall down Charlemagne & ran upon Rowland. And there began among them two afiers meddling. This hanging: came Alarde, Guycharde and the little richard, and ran upon rowland at ones and gave him so much to do that he must put himself to flight would he or no. And when reynald saw that Charlemagne and Rowland had saved themself: he was right sorry for it, and he said to his brethren. My brethren ye have wrought ill, for if ye had be still by me we had done a great faith, for I had taken Charlemagne that we should have brought with us to Mountawban.  
Sir said his brethren, we are sorry for it that we did not so, but we had so much to do in another place the it is well to us that we be scaped save with our lives. But let us see that we do well, and sown our horn to the end ye may gather again together your folk that be so sperkled abroad, for there is danger because of the night that cometh so fast on, and call again your banner for we have won more than we have lost and let us go to Mountawban. reynald that was sage did as his brethren and Mawgis counseled him when Charlemagne saw that Reinaud had withdraw his banner: he was glad of it, for he saw well that his folk was at the worst hand, so made he to sown the retreat and passed Balancon, and did so much that he came again to his host.  
And when he was lighted down a foot: he said to his folk. By my soul it goeth not well with us, for Reinaud hath put us from the field Sir said Rowland, speak no more of it for it is not long on you, but that we had be almost shamed; ye did great folly when ye jousted with reynald for if he had slain you or take: the war had be ended that hath lasted so long. ¶ I leave now here to speak of Charlemagne & of rowland his nephew, & return to speak of reynald and his brethren and of Mawgis their cousin and of their folk.   

¶ how after that reynald, his brethren and Mawgys had discomfited Charlemagne, after that they had rescued richard, that Ripus would have hanged at Mountfawcon, went again upon him, and pulled down his pavilion, and bare away with them the Eagle of gold that was there upon, whereof the king was full sorry for it, so that he would have taken again his crown into the hands of his barons saying that he would not be no more their king because that they had failed him, and had abandoned him for the four sons of Aymon. And said to them, that they should crown Reynawde there with, so should he be their king. For they loved him better than they did him. And how Oliver said to charlemagne, that he should take again his crown and that he should yield him Mawgis that he had taken as he rob the pavilion. For he abode there alone. And how charlemain took again his crown, and was right glad of the prise of Mawgys that he hated so much.   depiction of a male figure holding a crown in front of a tent and a group of men in armour; in the background a battle with knights on horseback and on foot fighting with swords 
HEre showeth the history that when reynald the son of Aimon saw that the king Charlemagne was gone again to his host: he made his banner to ride before him, & railed his folk together. And when he had mounted the mountain of mountfawcon: he called his folk & said to them. Mi friends put yourself in ordinance & take on your way to Mountawban & I, my brethren & Mawgis shall come behind. For I fear me lest the french men that be so wroth that we have discomfited them: so shall follow for to hurt us if they can, and if they do: We shall better suffer the pain than our folk. I would not for no good that rowland and Oliver should mock with us, nor that they should found us in disaraye. By my soul said Alarde. Brother reynald ye speak well and wisely. And than their folk put themself in ordinance, and they abode behind till that their folk had passed Balancon. And when the most part was passed: he took three thousand men of the best of his folk and said to the other, go your ways to Mountawban. For I will go & assail the king charlemain in his pavilion, what so ever it hap of it. And so shall I show his folk what I can do, and that I am a man for to seek him and not he me  
ANd when reynald had said this: he came to the water of Balancon, and passed over with his three thousand men, And they road so long that they came to the host of Charlemagne, that was wroth more than measure requireth because that he had lost the field against reynald. And when reynald saw the pavilion of Charlemagne: he said to his brethren, and to all his folk, I pray you that ye govern you wisely. Sir said Richard the hardy he that will be enhanced in price: he ought not to look so nigh, but he must jeopardy for to conquer worship. And when Richard had said so: he set hand to his sword, & spurred his horse with the spurs and went straight to the pavilion of Charlemagne, & cut of the cords & made it fall down to the earth with the Eagle of gold massy that was of great value. When reynald saw this: he called Mawgis & said to him cousin come hither, help me to bring a way this gain, sir said Mawgis with a good will, and they lighted a foot & took the Eagle of gold that was so rich that no man wilt what it was worth, & reynald said to his folk. My lords smite now well & fain not yourself, he that beginneth a game: he ought to see an end of it to his profit if he can. Who than had seen the folk of Charlemagne arm them & come out of their tents & ran upon the sons of Aymon: he would have marveled, & it was pity for to see the great slaughter that was done there. When Mawgis had put the eagle of gold in sure hands: he went again to the pavilion of Charlemagne & he found the king & said to him. By my head sir Emperor, ye have troubled us sore a long while, but ye shall buy it full dear at this hour your coming into Gascoigne & the death of my father the duke Benes of Aigremount. for I shall give to you such a stroke that ye shall never make war to us nor to none other. And with this: he bore up his spear for to have showed it through the breast of charlemain, but charlemagne abode not the stroke, but he turned himself aside & the spear entered into the bed of the king well two foot, & when charlemain saw this he was afeard, & he begun to cry mounjoye saint denis, & than he said. Ha fair nephew Rowland where are ye now? When Mawgis heard call rowland, he looked about him and saw not reynald nor his brethren, for they had put themselves to the way to return home again.  
OVer long tarried Mawgis in the host of Charlemagne, for reynald was all ready passed over Balancon, and Rowland & Oliver were all ready come to the calling of Charlemagne sore afraid, & when Mawgis saw them: he made no longer tarrying, but gave the spurs to his horse & went after reynald as fast as his horse might run.  
And when he would have passed balancon: he met with a great company of the folk of Charlemagne, and Mawgis smote one of them so hard in the shield, that he overthrew both horse & man to the earth. And after that he smote the son of Mylen of Puyll so that he cleaved his shield a sunder & cast him down to the ground with a wound morta●l, & than he cried Mountawban & said. Ha fair cousin reynald where be you, secure me for god. for if ye lose me: ye shall have harm thereat. And than Mawgys thought well that reynald was gone, this hanging: came Oliver through the press and came upon Mawgis & smote him so hard that it abode not neither for shield nor for courset of steel, but he made him a wound in his breast, and cast him down to the earth.  
When Mawgis felt himself thus hurt and overthrown: he was right wroth for it. So rose he up quickly upon his feet & took his sword in his hand & did marvels of arms, and the night was very dark that almost the one knew not the other. And when Oliver saw Mawgys defend himself so well: he said to him. I know not thee knight whom thou art, but and thou yield not thyself to me: I shall now smite of thy head from the shoulders. what is thy name said than Mawgys? for and thou be a good man I shall yield me to thee and else not, knight my name is Oliver of Vien. when Mawgys heard him named: he knew him well, and said to him, Ha gentle knight Oliver I yield me to you upon your faith & under such a condition that ye shall not deliver me to charlemain, for if ye deliver me in his hands I am dead without remedy & he shall make me die shamefully as a thief. By my faith said Oliver this will I not do for I dare not hide you from Charlemagne, but yield you and I promise you that I shall help you to my power for to make your appointment with the king, sir said Mawgys, & I yield me to you upon your troth and took his sword to him & Oliver took it, & after made him to be lighted upon a little horse, & brought him to the pavilion of Charlemagne where they found not the king, because he was all afraid as ye heard afore. And when Oliver saw that he found not Charlemagne: he was sore afeard the Mawgys should scape from him through his incantations & witch craft, and said to him, Mawgis ye know how I have taken you by arms and that ye are my prisoner, I will that ye give me your faith truly that ye shall not go out of with in with out my leave. Sir said Mawgis with a good will, and thus he did swear this Oliver. And when Oliver had taken the oath of Mawgys: he made him to be unarmed, and made his wound to be wrapped: and gave him a mantel upon him and made him to lie upon a bed. Now shall we leave a little to speak of Charlemagne, of Oliver and of Mawgys. And shall show of reynald and his brethren what they did when the host of charlemayne was moved, and how they won the Eagle of Gold that was of so great value, & how reynald said to his brethren, lords let us see now for to quite us well, for it were not good for us for to tarry here any longer. And than he made to withdraw his folk, and made them put to the way. And as they went: Richard said to reynald. Sir we have gotten a rich proy thanked be God. For Charlemagne shall be many a long day wroth therefore. Certes said reynald fair brother ye say troth and also we have slain a great many of his folk. Ha God said than Alarde, where is our cousin Mawgis? for I see him not here Brother said Richard, be not afeard for Mawgys, for I believe that he is gone to Mountawban afore us, god be with him wheresoever he be said reynald. For he is right sage, and a noble knight. I would not for all the Gold in the world that my cousin Mawgis had any harm. ¶ We shall leave a little to speak of reynald and his brethren that are bound to Mountawban glad of their prey: And shall now speak of Charlemagne that was so sore wroth as I have said afore.  
When Charlemagne was fro his harness: he fell in a swoon for the great anger that he had of that he had be thus distressed. And when he was come again to himself: he sent for the duke names the bishop Turpyn, Escoufe the son of Oedon for Solomon of bretayne, Richard of Normandy, the earl Guydellon and for Ogier the dane. And when they were all gathered together: the king began to show to them his complaints in this manner Lords I have kept and maintained you under mi tuition the space of xl years and more that no man hath not wronged you of a penny, & ye have no neighbour that dare ask you any thing. Now me seemeth because that I am now old that I am but half a man & yet not so good as I would be, and I may not be a king without you: for when ye fail me I am no king, ye know well that ye have left me for love of Reynawd whereof I am right sorry as I may well, for reynald hath taken me where I was abandoned of you, & he hath chased me out of the field, certes I am worse than mad of this that ye have forsake me for reynald. And sith that it is thus with me: I seek not to live any longer, nor to be king any more, and now I take to you the crown to the end that ye shall give it unto reynald when ye will, and that ye make him king of France. For I will be no more your king.  
When the xii peers of France, & the other lords heard charlemain speak so sorrowfully: they were sore abashed that there was no man so hardy that durst say one word. And the one looked upon the other and were abashed. And when the duke Naimes of Baviere understood the words of Charlemagne: he put himself forth and said. Sir Emperor god forbid that ye should do as ye say, for it were great shame to us all and also to you, but I wots well that we have mysprysed against you in that we have supported Reinaud, but ye ought to consider that we have done, was by no malice: but for good intention. For we wend for to have made the peace of the war that hath endured so long, whereby many good true men are dead, but sith that we see, that it pleaseth not you to make peace with the four sons of Aimon: take again your crown and be not wroth with us, and we shall promise you that we all shall serve you well and truly, and that we shall take Mountawban or a month be passed, or else we shall die all, & from hence forth on he that shall spare the four sons of Aimon, shall be slain of us. Than said the king Charlemagne, let all this alone I tell you for certain that I shall never be your king, but ye yield to me reynald or Mawgis the cursed thief that hath mocked me so often. And when Charlemagne had said this: he entered within his pavilion sore an angered. And than came there Oliver that was sore abashed of that he saw the king make so evil cheer, and after he said to Charlemagne. Sir whereof are ye so sore angry? by my faith said the duke names he hath shamed us, for he hath forsaken his crown and his realm. Sir said than Oliver do not so, but take again your crown and be our lord and our king. And who doth not your commandment: chastise him in such a manner that men take ensample thereby. Oliver said charlemain, ye speak for nought, for I will not do it, but I have Reinawd or Mawgis dead or quick, sir said Oliver now pardon us than, & I shall deliver to you Mawgis or even.  
DAmp Oliver said Charlemagne I am not a child, whereof men ought to mock with. For I ●oe well that Mawgis doubteth you of nothing. Sir said Oliver, if ye will promise me that ye shall take again your crown, and that ye shall keep us as ye have done afore time: I shall bring him now afore you, by my faith said Charlemagne if ye do it, and that I may have him at my will (for I hate him most of all men in the world) I shall do all that ye will desire of me, and also I shall give you lands enough that ye shall be content of me, for if Mawgys were not: the sons of Aymon might not endure against me, for if I had them in prison, and though I had sworn to keep them, yet should that thief Mawgis steel them away fro me. Sir said Oliver I shall bring him to you without any doubt. And than Oliver went to his pavilion and Rowland with him, and many other knights for to see Mawgis. Oliver said then to Mawgis, Mawgys ye must come to Charlemagne. Oliver said Mawgys, ye have betrayed me, but I wots well that Charlemagne shall be more courteous than ye have be, for he shall do me no harm, and let us go to him in the name of god when ye will. And than Oliver led Mawgys to Charlemagne, and when he was within the pavilion: he went straight to the king and said to him. Sir ye have promised me that if I brought Mawgis: that ye should take again your crown. And that ye should keep us to right as ye have done afore time. Certes said Charlemagne it is truth, and if ye keep your covenant: I shall do that I have promised you. Now hold you sir said Oliver here Mawgis, that I deliver to you for to do your pleasure with him the which I have take and conquered by force of arms. When the king Charlemagne saw Mawgis: he was so glad that no man might be more, and after he said, by my faith now have I one part of my desire, thou false thief Mawgys now I hold thee, now shalt thou be rewarded of thy pride that thou hast showed to me when thou barest away mine eagle of gold, and for all the good turns and thefts that thou hast done in thy days. For many times thou hast angered me sore, whereof thou shalt be now paid after thy deserving. Sir said then Mawgis ye shall do with me what it please you, for I am now in your hands, but I counsel you for the best that ye let me go and that ye make peace with Reinaud, and with his brethren, for ye shall get no thing by my death, and my cousins been such that they shall avenge it right well by force of arms, and if ye do as I say: ye shall have with you the flower of knighthood of all the world. A thief said Charlemagne how fearful thou art now. Certes this that thou sayest shall avail the nothing. Sir said Mawgis I am no thief. Now can I not do nothing sith that I am in your hands. And when ye shall have put me to death: ye shall do me no more nothing, and yet ye shall be sorry for me or ever xiiii hours comen at an end. Rybawd said Charlemagne, speak not so boldly, for & I can: thou shalt have an evil night or ever thou scape me, nor the glutons thy cousins shall not help the therefro, but that I shall make the die in despite of all thy witch craft that thou cannest do. ☞ Now we shall leave a little to speak of Charlemagne and of Mawgis: and we shall speak of the good knight reynald Alard, of Guichard, and of the litylle Richard his brethren.  
When Reynawd was departed from the host of charlemain as I said before: he road so long that he came to Mountawban and his folk with him. And when that lady witted that her lord came: she came him against, and said to him.  
Sir ye be right welcome, have ye delivered richard? yea, verily said Reinaud god gramercy, and blessed be god said the lady. And than she went to richard and kissed him more than ten times, & there was a cheer and a feast made right amiable. And after they had made great joy: Reynawd began to demand after his cousin, and the lady answered, my lord I know no tidings of him, and when Reinaud heard that: he was sore aghast of it, and turned himself toward his brethren and said to them. My brethren I pray you that we may know whether our cousin mawgis is come or not, and go seek him in his lodges, for haply he is go for to unarm himself. And incontinent Guicharde and Richard sought him at this lodges and asked for him to two of his men, the which said that they had not seen him sith he was gone with them. And when they heard that: they were full sorry and went again to their brother reynald and told him how they could not find him. When reynald understood that they had not found him, he began to make more sorrow than if all his brethren had be dead, and than who had seen the great moan that Alarde, Guycharde and the little Richard made for their cousin: he would have had great pity for to see them, for they pulled their heres from their heads and scratched their visages, when the good lady saw the great sorrow that Reinaud her husband and his brethren made, she fell down in a swoon to the earth. I promise you he that had seen that sorrow (how heard hearted that he were could) not have kept him from weeping.  
AFter that reynald had thus made great sorrow: he refrained himself a little and than said. Ha my cousin Mawgis well ye have stolen yourself from us, and what shall we do fro hence forth sith that we have lost you? When they had made their moan in this manner a long while: Remawde said to his brethren and to his folk. My Lords I pray you that ye leave your sorrow, for by no sorrow the matter can not be remedied, I pray you recomfort yourself, for I will put me again to the way for to go to the wood of the serpent for to speak with the abbot of saint Lazare to wit if he can tell us any tidings, for my heart judgeth me that afore xxiiii hours I shall know the certainty, and far well my brethren till I come again, ye speak well and wisely said Alarde, but we shall go with you for to keep you. Certes said Reinawd, ye shall not come a foot with me: And than Reinawd went in to his chamber, and made him to be armed, and came and lighted upon bayard his good horse, & issued out of mountawban, the shield at the neck, and the spear in the hand and came to balancon, and passed over the water, & when he was over the water he found two lads that came to water their horses from the host of Charlemagne. when the lads saw reynald that was so great, and was all alone: they said to him. Sir what be you that are alone, ye seem to be ● noble man. Children said Reinawd I am of Rypus folk that did scape when the sons of Aymon hanged him at mountfawcon. And than he said again to them. What doth the valiant king Charlemagne? so it is supper time with him. Sir said the lads the king is well merry and maketh good cheer, & he hath forgotten all the sorrow that he did make for your master Rypus. For men have brought to him Mawgys that he hated so much. Now tell me said Reinaud is Mawgis dead? Sir said the two lads he is yet alive. When reynald understood that Mawgys was a live: his here leapt all in his belly for great joy, and than he said, my fair children blessed more you be sith that Mawgys is not dead. Now I fear me not that he shall die this day. All thus as Reinaud spoke this: the lads went their ways, and reynald abode alone thinking at the river side, and when he had thought enough: he said to himself fair God what shall I do? I wot not now what shall I think or say, for if I go assail Charlemagne at his supper: the night is dark, and he shall wen that I have great folk with me and he shallbe afeard to lose Mawgis and thus he might kill him anon.  
But sith that I know so much of him: I shall tarry till to morrow, and if he bringeth him than for to be put to death: I shall defend him with mi power, or else I shall die with him.  
¶ Here leaveth the histori to speak of Reinaud that is at the rivers side of balancon all alone upon baiard: and returneth to speak of Charlemagne the emperor king and of France.   

¶ How the king charlemain would have done hang Mawgys incontinent after that Oliver had delivered him to him, but thorough the mean of of the xii peers of France that at the request of Mawgys were his surety for one night only he did so much that he scaped with his honour and acquittance of them that were his sureties. And he brought with him to mountawban the crown and the sword of the Charlemagne the same night, and also the swords of all the peers of France. Whereof the Emperor was right sorry, and how the king Charlemagne sent word to reynald that he should send him again his crown and his sword and all that Mawgis had borne away with him, and he should give him truce for two years, to the which thing reynald granted whereto happened many great evil les afterward.   depiction of a male figure presenting a bundle of swords to a knight on horseback; and of a male figure in armour kneeling beside a line of six suits of armour in a tent, with a castle in the background 
IN this party showeth the history that when Charlemagne saw him seized of Mawgis: he called Rowland, Oliver, Ogier the dane, the bishop Turpyn, Richard of Normandy, Guidellon of Bavier & the Duke Naimes and said to them, My lords I pray you as much as I can that ye do make a great gallows, for I am delivered that afore supper Mawgys the great thief shall be hanged by the neck, for if all the world had sworn the contrary: yet shall I not keep him to the day were come. Sir said the duke names sith that it please you that Mawgis shall die: ye shall make him die by another manner of wise, if ye do after me. And how than said Charlemagne? Sir I counsel you that ye hang not Mawgis by night: for Reinaud and his brethren should mock you, and they shall say that ye durst not make him die by day light for fear of them, and therefore sir abide till the day become, and than may ye do execution upon him with worship. And when the time shall become that ye will send him forth: send many folk with him, that and Reinaud and his brethren come there for to succure him: that they may be take, and hanged with him, names said the king, ye mock with me, for if this thief scape me: I am defamed. Sir said Mawgis, if ye be a feared that I should go away I shall give you surety that I shall not go. Who is that said charlemain that shall be thy surety? is there nigh man in the world that is so hardy that dare take this? Sir, said Mawgis I shall find enough if it please you. Now shall we see said Charlemagne how ye shall find them, and than Mawgis looked about him, & saw the twelve peers: so called he Oliver and said to him. Sir Oliver ye promised me when I yielded me to you that ye would help me toward Charlemagne. Now I require you that ye will be my surety if it please you, with a good will said Oliver upon my life and my goods I shallbe your surery, and ye sir Rowland, said Mawgis shall ye not be also for god my surety? and ye duke names, and ye Ogier, and ye Escouf, and ye bishop Turpyn, and ye damp richard of Normandye, and ye Guydellon of Bavyere, I pray you all that ye will be my surety for the love of the good knight Reinawd Mawgys said than the duke names, will ye promise to us upon your faith that ye shall not go from us without our leave? ye said Mawgis upon my faith. And than came the duke names, with the other peers of France before the king Charlemagne, and said to him. Sir we will be surety for Mawgys upon our lives & upon our lands that we hold of you that he shall not go a way without your leave, & also of all your company, and we shall deliver him again to you to morrow in the morning for to do with him what ye will. My lords said the king sith that ye will be his surety: I remyse him in to your keeping, by such a condition, but that I have him to morrow in the morning early: ye shall lose all your lands. And ye shall never may return in to douce france again. Sir said Oliver we grant it as ye have said. Lords said the duke names sith that this is done: let us go recomfort Mawgys, for he is well sorry. Lords said than Mawgis to them again. Sith that ye have done me one good turn: do me another. I pray you get me some meat, for I am ill a hungered. When Charlemagne understood Mawgis speak: he looked upon him, and said all laughing. And shalt thou eat said Charlemagne? yea, said Mawgis if I can have any meat. Now hear said Charlemagne, what it is of this devil here that asketh for meat and so little a term he hath to live. For & I were in his plight: I should not now have courage for to eat. Sir said the duke names ye say ill, for who hath eaten well: he is the better at his ease whereof I pray you that ye let him have some meat. And thenne the king washed his hands for to go to supper and said, where shall Mawgis be for to eat? sir said rowland, he shall well be by you. nephew said the king ye say right well, for here shall we be sure of him and I had thought for to do so. For I should not date trust him to none other man. And than the king was set at the table, and he made Mawgys to sit next him, and served him at the table, for as long as the supper lasted: he durst not eat nor drink, lest that Mawgys should work witch craft upon him, but Mawgis eat right well, for he had a good appetit to his meat. And when Oliver saw that: he began to laugh and showed Rowland and after said to him. Have ye seen how the king durst not eat all this supper, for fear that mawgys should work witchcraft upon him. Surely said rowland, it is true. After supper Charlemagne called his steward, and said to him, steward I pray you bring me xl torches, and that they burn all the night. Sir said the steward, I shall do your commandment. And when Charlemagne had ordained this: he returned him toward rowland and said to him. Fair nephew I pray you that ye and Oliver and all the twelve peers of France that ye will watch to night with me, for to keep this thief Mawgys, and make an hundred men to be armed, that shall watch with us and make the play at the tables and at the chesses, to th'end that none of us fall a sleep, and also make a thousand knights to make good watch without to the end that if Mawgys should escape us: they should take him again. And when Charlemagne had ordained this: he set him down upon his bed, and he made Mawgis to sit down by him. And of that other part rowland, Oliver, Ogier the Dane, and all the twelve peers round about the bed. Sir said then Mawgys, where shall I sleep. What say ye said Charlemagne will ye sleep? yea, said Mawgys full fain, if please you to suffer me. By my soul said Charlemagne ye shall have evil rest here, for ye shall not sleep as long as ye be a live. For ye shall be hanged to morow-at the springing of the day. Sir said Mawgis, ye do me great wrong. Wherefore have I given you surety, but only that I may have my ease for so long as I have for to live. Other suffer me to take my rest and that I may sleep: or else hold quite my suretees, certes false thief said Charlemagne, all this shall not avail thee. For I will that thy sureties go quite, and discharged. But therefore ye be not out of my hands. And than he made to be brought a great pair of yrens, and fetted him with them both his feet together. And made the cheyn to be fastened hard at a pillar, and with all he gave him a great collar of iron about his neck, whereof the king kept the key himself. And when Mawgis was arrayed of this fashion: Charlemagne said to him. By my soul Mawgis ye shall not escape me now. Sir said Mawis, ye mock well with me. But I tell you now before the xii peers of France that I shall see Mountawban or it be to morrow prime.  
When Charlemagne understood this that Mawgys said to him: he trowed to have waxed mad all quick. So he stood up and set hand to his sword, and came unto Mawgys all wroth for to have smitten of his head. But when Rowland saw that: he advanced him and said to the king. Sir for God mercy, for if ye slew him: we been all shamed for evermore, sir ye ought not to take heed to that he saith to you. For that, that he saith he saith it like a man that is in despair. And how might that be that he should escape you as ye hold him now? Verily my nephew I wot not how, but that he here afore time hath so often mocked me, maketh me to doubt of him, but at all adventure I shall leave him in peace till to morrow that he shall be hanged. Sir said rowland, ye say well. Than all they that were there began to play at the tables and at the chess, and many other games. And when it came that they had played long: they began all to have great lust to sleep. And when Mawgis saw that: he made his charm. And when he had made it: they began all to fall in a strong sleep, and Charlemagne himself slept so hard, that he fell backward upon his bed. And when Mawgys saw that Charlemagne was so fast a sleep: & all the twelve peers of France and all the company of them: he began to make another charm, that was of such virtue that his feters that were on his feet, & the collar and the chain of iron fell all to the ground a sunder. And then Mawgys rose upon his feet, and saw Charlemagne that slept so well grovelling with his head a wry, and he took then a pelow & righted up his head with all. And then he ungirded him and took joyous his sword, and girded about him, and then after he went to Rowland and took from him durandal his good sword, and after he took Hauteclere from Oliver and Cortyn from Ogier. And after this: he went to the coffres, and took there out all the treasure of Charlemagne and went with all this straight to Mountawban. And when Mawgis had taken all this: he took an herb and rubbed charlemaine's nose and his lips with it, and unhosed him and after he showed him with the finger, and said to him, awake sir emperor, I promised you yester night that I should not go without I should take my leave of you, farewell I go now. And when he had said this: he went out of the pavilion, and set him to the way toward Mountawban. And when Charlemagne understood that Mawgys had said to him: he rose upon his feet so wroth that men could be no more, and called upon his twelve peers that he could not awake. And when he saw that: he bethought himself an herb that he had brought with him from beyond the great sea, and took it and rubbed withal the nose the mouth and the eyen of rowland, and in like wise to all the other xii peers of France, and incontinent they were awaked, and rose upon their feet sore abashed. & when they were all awaked: they began to look the one upon the other. And the first that began to speak: was the duke names that said to the king where is mawgies? By my soul said Charlemagne, ye shall deliver him me again, for ye have let him go wilfully, For if ye would have suffered me to have hanged him yesterday: I had be otherwise rid of him. rowland said Oliver, saw ye him go hens? Nay by saint Denys said Rowland. I saw him well go said Charlemagne. Sir said Rowland ye ought thenne to have told us of it, for he should not have escaped so. And in saying this: Rowland looketh at his side, and he saw not durandal his sword, whereof he did cast a great sigh. And than Charlemagne said to him. nephew where is your sword? by my head I know well that the thief Mawgis hath bewitched us. For none of us hath his sword, and also he hath my hosen with him. Now hath he well mocked us.  
ANd when the xii peers of france saw that they had lost all their good swords: they were right sorry for it more than any man can say. And after Rowland said, by my faith Mawgis hath won a great gain, when he beareth away thus our swords, for they been more worth than is all Paris. And when Charlemagne perceived that his coffers were open: he went anon & looked in, & he was sore an angered when he found not his Crown, nor the best part of his treasure, whereof he made great sorrow, and after said, Ha false thief Mawgis full little I have gotten of thee & of thy taking. And who than had seen the sorrow that the xii peers of France made: would have had no lust to laugh.  
❧ Now shall we tell you a little of Mawgys that went as fast as ever he could toward Mountawban and he came to pass over the water of Balancon at that place where Reinaud was full heavy, and full of sorrow, by cause he knew no tidings of Mawgys, but when Mawgys had passed over the water: bayard smelled him and began to cry and came toward Mawgys, would Reinaud or no. And when Mawgys saw Reinaud: he knew him well, and said to him lawghinge. Knight what be ye that rideth at this time of night? and Reinawd said to him ye know well I am your cousin Reinawd the son of Aimon, & th●n he lighted from bayard, and came to Mawgis and kissed him by great love many times, and than said to him. Fair cousin thanked be our lord that I see you delivered from the hands of Charlemagne. By my faith said Mawgis, ye forgot me well behind. Cousin said Reynawd, by my soul I could not do thereto. For I have be here sith yesterday even. And I promise you that I was delibered for to have succoured you or else to have died with you. My cousin said Mawgys I thank you, light upon your horse, and let us go to Mountawban. When reynald was upon his horse again: he said to Mawgis. My cos●n what is that ye have laden. Cousin said Mawis it is the crown of Charlemagne & his sword joyous, durandall the sword of rowland, and the swords of all the xii peers of France. Cousin said Reinawde ye have wrought well god gramercy, but of the sword of Ogyer me displeaseth. Cousin said Mawgis I have done it all wilfully to the end that the king should mark thereby none evil, and that he were not appeached of treason. And than he showed him all the cause and the manner that charlemain had hold him. Cousin said Reynawde ye did right well. And when he had said this: they went on their way toward Mountawban, and they met in their way Alarde, Guicharde and the little Richard that came riding making great moan for doubt of Reinaud. And when Reinaud saw them come: he said to them, whether go you my fair brethren? Sir said they we went seeking after you, ye have found me said Reinaud, and I have found our cousin Mawgis. And when they understood this tidings: they were right glad and thanked our lord of it. And after Alarde said to Mawgis Fair cousin where became ye that ye came not with us again. Alard said Mawgys, when Richard was entered within the pavilion of Charlemagne, and had take the eagle of gold: I tarried in the pavilion for to slay Charlemagne, and it lacked but little that I slew him, and when I trowed to have comen after you. I found a great rout of knights, that arrested me, and so I defended me of all my power. And than came Oliver of Vyenne that overthrew me down, and I yielded me to him for his prisoner, the which delivered me to Charlemagne that would have made me to be hanged shamefully but lord I thank you, I have done so much that I am escaped. Cousin said Alarde, it is well happened to you, when they had devised long enough: they went to Mountawban, where they made great feast, when they were come there: it is not to be asked if the good lady clare was well glad, For incootinente she did to be made ready diverse meats for the dinner, & when they had eaten: they went to rest, for they were weary and specially Reynawde and Mawgis, would feign have slept. And the next day they went to hear their Mass at the church of Mountawban, and when the mass was done: Reinaud called Mawgis his cousin and his brethren, and said to them. Lords show me the bothie that ye gate yesterday. Sir said Richard gladly sith that it please you. And than he took the eagle that was of gold massi, and of precious stones and gave it to Reinaud. And when Reinaud saw that gift so rich: he was glad of it by cause of the great valour of it. Reinawd called Mawgis & said to him Cousin what shall we do with this eagle? My cousin said Mawgis me seemeth that ye ought to put him above upon the apple of the great tower of this castle to the end that Charlemagne and all his host may see it. By my soul said Reinawdeye, say well. And they took the eagle and made it to be borne upon the high tower of Mountawban. And when the son did shine upon this Eagle: it casted so great a light: that it might be seen ten miles thence. And when Charlemagne and his folk apperceved it: they were right sorry for it and an angered.  
When Charlemagne the great Emperor saw that the four sons of Aymon mocked him thus: he called to him Rowland and Oliver, and all the other Peers of France and said to them. Lords it is sore mishapped to us sith we came in this land of Gascoygn, for I have lost my crown and joyous my sword & mine eagle of gold that was of so great value as ye all know, and ye all have lost your good swords, where of we been well shamed, & also we have been chased fro the field shamefully. Now have well the four sons of Aimon shamed us all through that false thief Mawgis. Wherefore my faite lords I complain me unto you praying that you will help me to avenge me upon them, for they have done you shame as well as unto me. Than said the xii peers of France, sir we be ready for to do all that ye will. I will said the king that ye Ogier, also the duke names and ye bishop Turpyn, and ye Escoufe, the son of Oedon, that are of the kindred of Reinaud: that ye go to Mountawban, and so tell to Reinaud, to his brethren and Mawgys that they deliver me again my crown. joyous my sword, and also mine Eagle of gold, and the swords of you all and I shall give them truce for two years. And I shall do all mine host to return again in to france, sir answered Ogier. I shall with a good will do your commandment, but I fear me of Reinaud that he will keep us prisoners. Ha Ogier, said Charlemagne: ye fear him but little. when the barons heard the commandment of the king: they made no tarrying but lighted on horseback, and road to Mountawban. And when they were come together to the draw bridge: the porter that kept ward upon the gate, said to them lords what be ye? my friend said Ogyer, we are of the folk of Charlemagne, go your way to Reinawd, and tell him that the Duke names the bishop Turpin, Escoufe the son of Oedon, and Ogier the Dane would speak with him. My lords said that porter, I shall go to him incontinent, & than he went to reynald and showed him how four knights were at the gate that would speak with him, what be they said Reinaud? My lord said the porter they told me that the one is called the duke names, that other the bishop Turpin, and another Escoufe the son of Oedon, & the fourth is named Ogyer the dane. When Reynawd heard this: he stood up and said to his three brethren. My lords here cometh four valiant knights and wise. I beseech you that we show to them that we been no children for to be rocked in a sleep. Cousin said Mawgis ye speak well and wisely. Me seemeth it were good that we should know, wherefore they come, or they entre, to the end that we may best answer to them. Than they went unto the gate, and made the draw bridge to be let down. And when it was done: richard issued out first upon the bridge, and went against them and made to them great honour and said to them. My lords ye be right welcome, this castle is ●t your commandment. For I hold me so sure of my brother Reinawd that I dare offer it to you, cousin said the messengers gramercy. And than Reinaud advanced himself, and saluted them honourably, and after took Ogier by the hand, & he him, & tother three he brought to the Dungeon, where they were received honestly by the lady Clare the wife of Reinaud. And when Reinaud had received them: he made them to sit upon a bench, and than he said to them, fair lords I pray you that ye will tell us wherefore ye become? For ye come not without a great cause, ye know well sir Reynawd said Ogier, that all we that been here have ever loved you well. And I promise you if it had been our will: ye should have had good peace with the king Charlemagne, but many times he hath unbrayed us thereof, ye must know that your cousin Mawgis hath shamed us all, for we were his surety to Charlemagne upon our oath to deliver him at his will. And the said Mawgis is come hither without our leave against his promise, and that worse is: he hath rob the crown of the king Charlemagne and his sword, and all the swords of us all xii peers. Wherefore Charlemagne sendeth to you word by us that ye see here, that ye deliver him again his crown, the eagle of gold, and all our swords. And he shall give you truce for two years, and he shall do return all his army in to france. After that Ogyer had said this: Mawgis stood up and spoke by the leave of reynald, & said, Lords ye been right welcome in this castle of Mountawban. And if it please you, ye shall not speak no more of this matter now, and ye shall abide this night with us, and to morrow ye shall have an answer of that ye have said. reynald said than Ogier, will ye keep that Mawgys hath said? yea without fault said Reinaud, sith that it pleaseth you: we shall abide for the love of you. And than Mawgys went to the steward of Mountawban, and advised him the meats. Whereof the knights of Charlemagne should be feasted with all, and told that they should be well served, what so ever it cost. And see that the great cup be borne afore the duke names, the which I did conquer at reins. My lord answered the steward, doubt not, ye shall well be served at my power. And the●●●e Mawgys came again. And when reynald saw him come: he calls him and said to him, my cousin I pray you see that we be well served, sir said Mawgis, I have purveyed for it all ready. When Reinawd understood him: he was glad of it, and begun to devise with the folk of Charlemagne right honestly and of many things. And when he thought that the meat might be well ready: he & his brethren took the four knights and brought them to the hall to their meat, & when they were there: Mawgys made them wash, & than he took the duke Naimes and made him sit down, and my lady Clare next him. And he made sit down the bishop Turpyn and reynald and than Ogyer and Alarde, and after Guicharde and Escoufe the son of Oedon, and than the little Richard. And when they were all set at the table, the meats of the first course were brought to the board, & than the other one after another by good ordinance and fair. And to say the truth they were well and honourably served, and of many and diverse services of royal meats. And after that they had well eaten at their ease: the duke names called Reynawd and said to him. Good cousin I pray you that ye will delyber yourself for to give us a good answer of that ye have heard of us. Lords said reynald I shall do it in so much that the king shall have a cause to be content of me. For I shall do all that he will for to have peace and his love withal, and that for the love of the other my lords that be here now. And than reynald made to bring the sword of Charlemagne & the swords of the twelve peers, and also the crown and the Eagle of gold. And when Ogyer saw this: he began to laugh and said. By my soul reynald ye had here a fair gain if ye had kept it. And when richard saw that his brother would deliver the Eagle of gold: he began for to say By saint poule my fair brother ye shall not do so. Ye shall not deliver again that I have won well and truly by force of arms, brother Richard said reynald, let me do I pray you. I will not said Richard by my soul, for Charlemagne himself smote me while that I was prisoner within his pavilion full shanefully with a staff. Lords said the duke names, let this alone. And take we that reynald giveth to us in thank, for he hath done enough, By my faith said the bishop Turpyn he doth so. And than they took the crown of Charlemagne & all their swords. And when they had them: Ogyer said to reynald. My cousin I counsel you that ye come with us, and Alarde & Guycharde shall abide here to keep your castle, Sir said reynald I fear me to sore the king would make me for to be killed outrageously. Come on hardly said the duke names, for we shall lead you well surely. For sith that ye shallbe with us: ye ought not to fear nothing. Lords said than reynald I shall do your commandment under your assuring.  
When reynald was accorded for to go with the Duke Naimes, and with the bishop Turpyn, with Ogyer the dane and Escoufe the son of Oedon: they lighted all upon their horses, and reynald mounted upon bayard and armed him. And in like wise did Alarde. And when the duchess Clare saw that reynald her Lord would go with the folk of the Emperor Charlemagne: she came before them & kneeled down before them, and said unto them my lords, I thank you much of the favour that ye did show to my brother Richard and to Mawgis, now again I pray you that ye will have reynald for recommended mi lord and my dear husband the which ye lead with you. Madam said Ogier, have no doubt that reynald shall have any harm. For we should not suffer it for nothing for to lose both life & goods. And than they put them to the way for to go thence, and Reinawd took ten knights with him for to bear him fellowship. when they were come to the river of Balancon: they sought after the passage and passed over. And when they were all over: Ogier began for to sai. Lords ye wots well all is of evil courage against Reynawd, wherefore I doubt me of him that we have brought here with us. I counsel that we know first the will of charlemagne or ever he see Reynawd, Ogier said the duke names, ye speak well and wisely we shall go speak ye and I to Charlemagne, and reynald shall abide here till we come again. Lords said than reynald I shall do that ye counsel me, but I pray you hold me that ye have promised me, that is that ye shall keep my body and my limbs from harm. reynald said the duke names. we shall rather die, than that ye should have any harm. And than he and Ogyer took the way toward the host of Charlemagne, and Reinawde abode with the bishop Turpyn and with the son of Oedon. Now hearken of Pynabell a spy that longed unto the king Charlemagne, wit it that the spy was at the river side of Balancon with this fellowship. when the words afore said were spoken, when the spy had well understand all the conclusion: he stolen himself fro the company and road a good pace as he might in the world and came to Charlemagne, to whom he said in this manner, sir I bring you tidings whereof ye shallbe right glad my friend said Charlemagne thou art well come. I pray you tell me what tidings ye bring? wit it sir that I have left reynald and Alarde his brother at the river side of Balancon with the bishop Turpyn and Escouf the Son of Oedon, and the duke names, and Ogyer are coming toward you for to ask leave if they shall bring them to you with sureti. Is it troth said Charlemagne? yea without fault said Pinable. By my soul said the king I shall reward thee for it right well, but keep well that ye show not this to no man upon thy life, for I shall put thereto a good remedy. And than he beheld about him and saw Oliver and said, Oliver incontinent and without any desaye, take two hundred knights with horses and well armed, and lead them at the river side of Balancon, where ye shall find reynald and Alarde, & see that ye take them & bring them hither, and if ye do this: ask of me what ye will, & ye shall have it. And than said Oliver, sir I shall well do your commandment. And than he took with him two hundred knights as the king Charlemagne had ordained him, & took his way toward the river of Balancon. Now god through his pity save the good knight reynald and Alarde his dear brother, for they been in great peril of their lives. This hanging that Oliver was gone toward the river of Balancon: the duke names and Ogyer came to the host and lighted a fore the pavilion of the king, and went in. And when they saw the king: they made him the reverence, but he said no word to them. when Ogier saw the countenance of the king: he said to him. Sir what semblant is this that ye show to us? I marvel me greatli that ye make us so evil cheer seen that we come fro thence where ye have send us, that was to Mountabawn, where we have spoken with reynald the son of Aymon, the which is all together ready for to do all that your pleasure is, and so he hath delivered us again your crown and all our swords, as for your eagle: ye shall have it when ye will. Ogyer said than Charlemagne what have ye done of reynald for I am sure that ye have brought him with you? Sir said Ogier it is troth verily we have brought him with us upon our faith for to take sureties of you of truce that ye have granted him. By saint Denis (said charlemagne) I will not thereof, for if I can have him once in my hands: all the gold in the world shall not save him but I shall make him die a shameful death. Sir said Ogyer what say ye? I marvel me greatly of that ye have said. Damp emperor said than the duke names, so great a king as ye be: ought never to have said such words as ye now have uttered with your mouth for the value of half his realm, ha gods sweet sir give not to yourself so great a blame, & if ye do this that ye say: I promise you that I, Ogier, the bishop Turpin and the son of Oedon, we shall yield you evil for evil, & yet we shall save reynald at our power so that ye shall not do him harm, sith that we have brought him upon our faith. Now shall we see said Charlemagne how ye shall con help him. Sir (said Ogyer) if ye do to us any outrage or dishonour: I promise you we shall forsake the homage and the faith that we own to you, and we shall do the worst that we can against you and against your realm. ¶ we shall now presently speak a little of Oliver that was gone to Balancon. It happened as by fortune that the said Oliver overtook Reynawde so nigh the which was on foot: that he could not have leisure for to mount upon bayard. And when reynald saw that he might not light upon his horse because that Oliver had overtaken him so sore: he was sore an angered of it that almost he waxed mad all quick. And than he returned him toward the bishop Turpyn and toward Escoufe & said to them, Vassals ye have betrayed me falsli and I would never believe it, wherein ye have done great sin and great evil. Sir said the bishop Turpyn, I swear to you upon my faith that hereof we never knew nothing nor thought it, and I promise you that we shall live and die with you, and with this: reynald turned toward Oliver & said to him Oliver may ye yield me again the goodness that I showed to you in the plain of Valcolours, I know that one curteysie requireth another, for when ye were to the ground cast, I delivered you your horse again, and holp you to light upon him again, sir said Oliver it is troth that ye say, and I promise you that I am right sorry that I have found you now here. For I know no man in the world that would do to you any harm, but I would be wroth with him, this hanging that reynald and Oliver spoke together: there came rowland that was departed from thost after Oliver for to help him to take reynald, and when he was night he began to cry. Ha ha reynald, by my soul ye be now taken and be trapped. And when he had said this there was Ogier behind him that had followed him with the point of the spear, the which said to him, by my head sir rowland ye shall do no harm to reynald, For the Duke names and I have brought him hither upon our faith, for to take the sureties of the truce that we have given to him in the kings behalf as ye know he had charged us to do And I tell you Sir Rowland if ye do to him any harm: ye shall do it to us. Ogier said Rowland ye shall now be an evil surety for him. Rowland said Ogier, I make mine avow to you that if ye saut Reynawd: we four that been here shall help him against you. rowland said than Oliver I pray you that ye let Reynawde in peace, for I promise you he did once to me a courtesy turn, and a great pleasure, & now I will reward him for it, if it please you, and I shall tell you what we shall do. we shall lead reynald before Charlemagne. And we shall pray him that he treat him courteously, and we shall perforce ourself to make his appointment. Lords said the Duke Names, Oliver hath spoken honestly. I counsel that we lead Reinawde tofore Charlemagne, for to see what he will do of him. And I swear by god if he will do any outrage to Reinaud: we shall not suffer it for to die for it, & we shall help him to save himself to our power. After all these words: they took themself on their way, for to lead reynald to Charlemagne.  
When Rowland and Oliver had brought reynald into the pavilion of the king Charlemagne: wit it that the duke names, the bishop Turpin, Ogyer the dane, also Escouf the son of Oedon went never one foot from Reynawd. But when Oliver would have presented reynald to Charlemagne: Ogier advanced himself and said to the king in this manner. Sir ye know how ye did send us four that been here afore you in your message to Mountawban, for to tell unto reynald as ye had charged us, to whom we did show in your behalf, that if he would deliver to you again your Crown, and all the good swords that Mawgys had borne with him, and the Eagle of gold, ye should give him touce for two years, & that ye should do turn your host into France again. wit that reynald hath done all that we have required him of in your behalf, & we have brought him with us under your safe conduit, and so we take him under our charge that he should have no more harm than we should. notwithstanding ye have made him to be taken, the which thing we would never have thought that ye would have done it, seen that here been your crown & your swords, & the Eagle of gold is at your pleasure when ye will have it. And moreover we promised him that if ye did to him any harm: that ye should do it to us as well as to him, & I promise you if ye do to him any harm, ye shallbe greatly blamed for it of all the world. But and if ye will work honestly here in and like a true emperor & king for to keep that neither ye nor we be not blamed for it: send reynald again to Mountawban, with this that he hath taken to us, & when he shall be therein again: do to him the worst that ye can.  
OGyer said Charlemagne, ye speak for nought & all your fellows also. For I shall not do so but I shall do after mine own will though ye all had sworn the contrary. And so shall I not do of reynald as I did of the false thief mawgis. And when Charlemagne had said thus: he turned him toward reynald, & said to him. Reynawd reynald I hold you now, certes I shall so keep you that ye shall not deceive me as did Mawgys, for I shall make you anon to be smitten and cut in small pieces, and than brent all to powder. Sir said Reynawde ye shall not do so & god wil Ogyer said Charlemagne, will ye defend against me my mortal enemy? Sir said Ogier I will not defend your enemies against you: but I promise you that I shall defend my troth against all men. Sir said than reynald what is your pleasure that I do? ye have called me traitor, wit it that I was never such nor no man of my lyvage. nor I know not in the world that saith that I have be a traitor, or that I have done any treason against you, out that I should fight in the quarrel against him body to body. By my faith said Charlemagne, I shall make it to be proved upon you by force of arms Sir said reynald, ye speak now as a king, & here is my gage that I give, saying that I am as true a man as any that is in all the world & in like wise all they of my lineage. Than Charlemagne said to him, if ye give me sureties: wit that I shall take up your gage, and not else. Sir said reynald I shall find surety enough. Than he turned him & saw Ogyer, and said to him. Sir Ogyer come forth, & ye duke names, and also the bosshop Turpyn & ye Escouf the son of Oedon, be my surety I I pray you, for ye ought to be so, ye know that I did never untruth reynald said the duke names we shall be surety for you with a good will.  
THan said reynald, sir here been my sureties that I take you, are ye content of them? yea said Charlemagne I ask no more. Sir said than reynald, who is he that shall make the battle? By my faith said Charlemagne, myself shall it be. Sir said Rowland, ye shall not do so & it please you, for I shall fight for you myself. Sir said Reynawde ordain in your place such as it shall please you, and when he had said this word: bayard was taken again to Reinaud, the which lighted upon & went toward mountawban, and with him went Ogyer the dane, the duke names & escouf the son of Oedon, and together alard that had betaken as Reynawd. And when they were come nigh mountawban: guichard, Richard and Mawgys saw them come, & came them against, and when richard saw reynald: he asked of him how he had done? By my faith said reynald we are not welcome for the king knew that we were at Balancon where Ogyer had left us and he sent anon Oliver & Rowland for to take us, and were overtaken so suddenly that we could not light upon our horses, & we were brought to Charlemagne, and I promise you he is a cruel man fulfilled with all cursedness. And thus recounted reynald to his brethren all that ye have now heard afore.  
THat night Reinaud and his company made good cheer at mountawban and made the folk of charlemayne to be well feasted by the noble lady Clare his wife right honourably, and after they had supped well: they went to bed for that night and when the morning was come that every man was up: reynald & his fellowship went to hear mass in the chapel of saint Nycolas, and reynald offered four mark of gold And when the mass was done: reinawde & all his barons asked after their arms for to arm them. when they were armed: reynald took leave of his wife afore all the company, and than he called to him his brethren and Mawgis and said to them. My lords I leave this castle in your protection and sauf guard, & I recommend you my wife and my children, for now I go fight with the best knight of the world, now I know not what shall betide of me, wherefore I pray you that ye will keep well this castle, for I promise you if I die: ye shall have need of it here is Ogier that shall come with me & the Duke names also, for they been my sureties to the king Charlemagne By my soul said Alarde ye speak for nought, for we shall go with you, and we shall bear you company where somever ye go and so shall we see the battle, and how ye shallbe maintained in your right and if ye have need of help: ye shall find us ready to your succours. By saint Paul said Ogier the dane, Alarde hath spoken wisely, and when reynald saw this: he called Mawgis & said to him. My fair cousin I pray you that ye will abide here, & that ye will keep all well sith that my brethren will come with me. reynald said Mawgis, I shall do as it pleaseth you, & I promise you the Mountawban shall have no harm by my default. when Reynawd had ordained all well: he took on incontinent his way in the fellowship of his brethren and of the barons afore said. And when they came there as the battle should be done: Reinawd lighted a foot & tarried after rowland. ¶ Hear leaveth the history to speak of reynald; of his brethren & of the other barons that were in the company of the said reynald: and returneth to speak of Rowland how he and reynald made their battle the one against the other.   

¶ Hear showeth how reynald fought against Rowland, the which he conquered by the will of god and brought him to mountawban, whereof charlemain was full heavy & wroth. And also how Mawgys bore the emperor Charlemagne to Mountawban upon baiard all a sleep, & delivered him to reynald in a bed. where Renawde lay. And how Mawgys after this went away & took thabit of a eremite and left his kinsmen and lived poorly, for he would not let the peace of reynald to Charlemagne, for the war had lasted long enough.   depiction of two groups of knights in armour on horseback charging each other with lances 
NOw showeth the tale the when rowland saw the day he rose fro his bed and went (after he was ready) to hear mass, and offered a rich gift upon the altar, & when the mass was done: rowland asked after his harness for to arm him & when he was well armed he lighted a horse back quickly. And than Charlemagne said to him. Fair nephew I commend you to God that he lead you to a good way and keep you fro death and fro prison, for ye know that reynald hath right upon us, & we do to him wrong, wherefore I would not for half of my realm that any harm came to you for it. Sir said rowland it is to late for you to repent now, for sith that ye knew that ye were in the wrong: ye should not have accepted the battle that ye have enterprised, but sith it is so that the thing is come so far forth: I can not leave it, but if it were to me great shame, now help me god if it please him through his mercy. when Rowlande had said these words he: took his way for to go to the pintre of mountawban where as the battle of reynald & of him should be made and when he was nigh mountawbon: he saw Reinaud that awaited after him at the said tree and incontinent he began to cry upon him.  
By God reynald this day shall ye have a do with me, & I promise you that when ye shall go fro the field: ye shall never do feats of arms against me nor against no other. when Reinaud heard Rowland cry so: he came against him & said to him, sir Rowland it becometh not to such a knight as ye be for to threte me thus, & I tell you that I am here ready, & if ye will battle: ye shall have it incontinent. Reynawd said Rowland I am not come here for peace: but keep you fro me, & ye shall do as a wise man. Rowland said reynald beware of me, for I am sure that I shall bring down the pride of you that is so great.  
ANd when reynald had said that word: he spurred bayard with the spurs & came against Rowland, & Rowland against reynald, & they gave to each other so great strokes at their breasts that they broke both their spears all to pieces and with the running that they made against each other: they recountered the one the other so hard with their shields that reynald must needs fall down to the earth with his saddle between his thighs, because of the gyrtes that broke a sunder, & rowlande lost his stiropes with al. And when reynald saw himself a ground he rose up right quickly, and lighted again upon bayard without saddle, and came upon Rowland with his sword in his hand, & gave him so great a stroke that Rowland felt himself sore grieved with all, & when he saw that reynald had stonyed him so sore: he set hand to durandall his good sword, & ran asprely upon reynald. And when reynald saw him come▪ he went right fiercely upon rowland, & than began the battle to be hard, and fore cruel between them two, and I promise you they left not one piece of their harness whole, neither upon the one nor upon the other, but it were all to bursten and beaten a sondre, in so much that the barons that looked upon them had great pity of th'one & of tother when the duke names, had behold a long while of this wonderful battle: he began to cry as loud as he could saying in this manner. Ha king Charlemagne ye are over cruel for thorough your cruel malice: ye put to death two of the best knights of the world, wherefore ye shall once abye or long. when reynald saw that neither of them two could not overcome the other: he said to rowland. If ye believe me: we shall light down a foot both to th'end that we kill not our horses. For if we slay them we shall never recover none such nor so good, ye say well said rowland, and I am so content. And than they descended a foot upon the meadow. rowland said reynald, now are we per to per, now it shall be seen the which of us two shallbe master of the place. And with this they ran the one upon tother as proudly as it had been two Lions who that had seen than the great strokes & that dangerous that they gave to each other he should have said that there had be never such two knights in all the remnant of the world. when rowland saw that he could not win reynald: he came to him, & took him with a full arm, and so did Reynawde him in like wise in manner of wrestling together a great while without that the one could cast down the other by no way. And I promise you that a man should well have gone a m●●● or ever they left each other go when they were coupled once together, & at the last when they saw that the one could not cast down the other: they let each other go the one there and the other here for to take their breath for they were right weary, & sore travailed so much that almost they might not stand no longer, & their helms shields and their arms were all to cut and brooken and the ground where they fought thus was all to stamped and beaten with their feet as men had beaten corn there upon.  
When Charlemagne saw that the one could not overmaster the other, and how they were both evil arrayed: he was sore afeard for his nephew rowland, and than he kneeled down upon his knees & heaved his hands together toward heaven and began to say. Good lord glorious that made the world, sea, heavens and the earth, and delivered the holy virgin margarete from the belly of the horrible Dragon, and jonas from the belly of the fish: I beseech you also that ye will deliver my nephew Rowland from this battle mortal, and send me such a token whereby I may depart these two knights from each other to the honour of the one and of the other. when Alarde Guycharde and Richard saw their brother so weary they were a feared of his person, and than they began also to pray god that he would keep their brother Reynawd fro death and from prison. And when they had made their prayers: our Lord for the prayers of Charlemagne showed a fair miracle, for he made rise so great a cloud & so thick, that they might not see each other. Than Rowland said to Reinaud, where are ye gone Reinaud, other it is night, or else I cannot see never a whit? No more do I said Reynawde verily. reynald said rowland, I pray you do to me a courteous turn, & another time I shall do as much for you if ye require me thereof. Sir Rowland (said reynald) I am ready for to do all that ye will require me of, so that my honour be saved.  
gramercy reynald of that ye have granted me. wit that the thing that I will desire of you is this, that ye bring me with you to Mountawban. Sir Rowland said reynald if ye will do this: I shall be right glad thereof. By my faith I shall go there with you without any fault if it please you. Sir said reynald God of his goodness yield you the worship that ye will now do to me for I have not deserved it unto you. Sir reynald (said rowland) wit that I do this because that I know well that ye be in the right, and that ye fight in a good quarrel, and I am in the wrong. And when rowland had said this the received his sight, and saw as he did afore, and than he saw Vylaunche his good horse, and he lighted upon him, and in like wise reynald upon bayard And when Charlemagne saw this: he was sore abashed, and begun to call and to cry. lords Lords now see, I wots not what I should say, for reynald leadeth Rowland with him. Now shall I see if ye shall let him go. when charlemain had spoken thus: he came to his horse & lighted upon him, and began to cry Now shall I know who been my friends. when the barons of France heard Charlemagne speak thus: they spurred their horses and ran after reynald.  
When Ogier saw Reynawde come with rowland that he brought with him: he was right glad, and he came against Reynawd and said to him. Sir ye have well wrought this day, that ye have taken such a prey. Ogier said reynald, I promise you that rowland hath let himself to be taken with his good will. Thanked be god of it said the duke Names reynald said Ogier go your way to Mountawban, and the bishop Turpin the son of Oedom and I: shall return again, & we shall tarry Charlemagne that cometh after you and we shall do so much that ye shall be well at Mountawban or they over take you. Ogier said Rowland ye say well, and I thank you of your curtoysie. when they had thus shortly spoken together: reynald & rowland road so fast that they came to mountawban. It is not to be asked if Rowland was well feasted at mountawban. I promise you it is not possible to feast a prince better nor more honourably than he was at mountawban. This hanging: Ogier was come against king Charlemagne and he did so much by his fair language that he held the king till that he thought that reynald & rowland might be well at Mountawban by that time. And when he had done so: he spurred his horse and went to Mountawban after the other. where as he might well go without to be unbraied for it, for he was one of the sureties of reynald as ye have heard. And when Charlemagne saw this: he followed him unto the gates And when he was come to the gate of Mountawban: he began to cry with an high voice. By god reynald this that ye have done: shall avail you little, for ye shall never have peace with me as long as I am man a live. And when that he had said this he returned him from the gate, and said to Oliver that was there with him. Oliver go lightly to Mountbendell, and bring here all my host for I will besiege all this Castle. Than said Oliver I shall go there with a good will, but and it please you ye shall come with me, for I promise you if ye comnot there yourself: they shall not come hither for me. Than shall I go there myself, and thus took Charlemagne his way toward Mountbendel where his host lay, when his folk saw him come: they went against him and began to say to him, sir what have ye done with Rowland? lords said Charlemagne Rowland is gone to Mountawban, but I command you all that incontinent without delay that my siege be transported all round about Mountawban, and ye damp Oliver shall bear the oriflan and damp Richard of Normandye shall lead our host. When Charlemagne had commanded all this: there was none that said against it, but set themselves to bring down the tents and pavilion, and to truss and lead their baggages, and carried all to Mountawban.  
richard of Normandy went with xii thousand men to Balancon, to keep the passage of the river till all the host were over the river. This hanging: Charlemagne had put himself afore for to see where he might best pitch his tents, and his pavilion, for to keep siege royal afore the Castle of Mountawban.  
And when all the host was come afore Mountawban: the king made incontinent his pavilion to be set up before the great gate. And when all the host was set: the night watch of the great Tower came to Mawgys, and said unto him. Sir wit the Charlemagne is come with his host and hath put his pavilion before the master gate. Is it true said Mawgis? yea without any fault said the watch. Now care not for it said Mawgis, for Charlemagne seeketh his damage, and he shall have it sooner than he weeneth. Than went Mawgys to reynald. And showed him how Charlemagne was come with all his host. And when reynald heard this: he went unto Rowland and said unto him. Sir ye must wit that Charlemane your uncle hath laid siege afore us, but I promise you that if it were not for the love of you: I should show him that he hath not done well. reynald (said rowland) I thank you much, but one thing I will tell you, save your correction, me seemeth that I ought to send to mine uncle the duke names, Ogyer the dane, and also the bishop Turpyn that shall show unto him in this manner, Sir Emperor wit that reynald for the love of you will not give no Irons to your nephew, nor he will not put him in prison. But he maketh him as good cheer as he doth to his own self. And that more is, reynald, his brethren and Mawgys do present themself for to give them and their castle unto your hands, so that their lives be saved. ye speak well and wisely sir Rowland said reynald, and so I am ready to do as ye will have it. Rowland said the duke names, I dare not go to him, ye may well enough said Rowland. For ye be not hated of the king duke names said Ogyer, we shall go to Charlemagne, if ye will do after me. And they accorded that they two should go together to the king for to show to him as Rowland had devised. And when that these two princes, the duke names and Ogyer came to the pavilion of Charlemagne: they saluted him reverently, and the duke names spoke to him in this manner of wise. Sir Emperor your nephew Rowland recommendeth him humbly to your good grace, the which reynald keepeth within Mountawban for his prisoner, not unkindly: but he maketh to him as good there and as great honour he beareth unto him as he were his own brother, and his sovereign lord, and all this he doth for your love. And demandeth of you peace if it please you to grant it to him by such manner that he shall give you Mountawban, and the Eagle of gold, and he shall let go rowland at his liberty without raunsun. And also he shall yield himself to you and his brethren in like wise, and also Mawgys for to do your will with them, save their lives: and they shall promise you if their service pleaseth you, that they shall serve you against all men with all their power and puissance, so that ye shall have cause to thank them for it.  
When Charlemagne understood these words: he shook all for great anger. And began to say to the duke names, and to the other that were come to him, flee out of my pavilion evil folk. I marvel me how have ye durst come here within and I tell you that reynald shall have no peace with me, but if I have Mawgis for to do my will of him. when the barons understood charlemagne that spoke thus: they came out of his Pavilion and took no leave at him, but returned incontinent to Mountawban. when they were come there: Rowland and Reinaud asked them how they had done with Charlemagne? Lords said the duke Naimes, it is no force to be asked after it. For charlemain will not do it, but if men take unto him Mawgis for to do his will of him, Lords said reynald I am sorry for it. I marvel how charlemain is so hard hearted, and I make mine a vow unto god, he shall not have Mawgys though I should die for it. After these words: they went to their meat, & Mawgis made them to be served plenteously and worshipfully, and when they had supped: the beds were heeled, and they went anon to bed. And when reynald would go to his bed: he called to him Mawgis, and said to him, cousin I pray you that ye do make good watch to night. For ye know that our lives lieth thereupon. Sir said mawgis fear not for to sleep well & rest yourself. For I promise you thou this castle shallbe well kept by god's grace, & when all the barons were a bed: Mawgis went to the stable and saddled baiard, and than he lighted upon him and he came to the gate and said to the porter. My friend open the gate for I must go out a little, & abide me here for I shall come again soon. Sir said the porter. I shall do so with a good wil Than went out Mawgys straight to the pavilion of Charlemagne. And when he was come there: he began for to make his charm, & brought a sleep all they that were in the host. And when he had done so: he went to the bed of Charlemagne, and took him in his arms and brought him upon baiard. And when he had done so: he went his ways again to Mountawban, and brought Charlemagne with him. And when he was come there again: he took Charlemagne from baiard, and bore him into his chamber and laid him in his bed. When all this was thus done: He took a torch & fired it, and pitched it between the straw & the bedstead, so that it held fast even before the visage of the king Charlemagne. And after he went to the chamber of reynald and said to him, Cousin what would ye well give that should deliver Charlemagne into your hands? By my soul said reynald I have nothing but that I should gladly give it so that I might have him here within this castle of Mountawban. Cousin said Mawgis will ye promise me that ye shall do to him no harm of his body, neither your brethren nor none of yours? & I shall put him into your hands even anon. Cousin said reynald, I promise you that upon my faith, now come with me said Mawgys. And than Mawgys brought Reynawde into his chamber, and showed him Charlemagne that was in his bed and slept, and after he said to him. My cousin reynald. Now ye have here Charlemagne, keep him so well that he scape not you. And when Mawgis had delivered Charlemagne to reynald, he came unto the stable where he had put bayard and took some straw and rubbed his back with all & his head, & than he kissed him all weeping, and took leave of him. And after he went and took the palstar and the cloak and came unto the porter, and gave him all his other raiments, that he had were afore and went out of Mountawban. ¶ Now leaveth the history to speak of reynald, and of Charlemagne a little, and shall show of Mawgys that left all his kindred & friends and became an Eremite.   

¶ How after that Mawgys had delivered Charlemagne into the hands of reynald his cousin: he went without any leave from Mountabawn into a wood being the river of Dordon into an hermitage, whereas he lived like an eremite a poor life to do penance for his sins.  
 depiction of a male figure with a pilgrim's hat, staff, and rosary beads walking away from a castle with a figure in the doorway  
NOw showeth the history, that when Mawgys had delivered Charlemagne for prisoner unto reynald: he went out of Mountawban without the leave of reynald, and without the knowledge of any of the castle, except of the porter. And wit it that the said Mawgys went so long that he came to the river of Dordon, and passed over the water in a boat. And when he was over. he entered into a wild forest, & walked within it till it was noon. And when he had gone enough through the wood, he beheld a side: & saw a little hill, & upon it a little house in manner of an hermitage, he went to it and found the place devout and pleasant. For afore the gate sprang a quick fountain. And Mawgys went into the chapel, and kneeled a fore an image of our lady that was there, & prayed our lord that he would pardon him his sins. And as he was there making his prayer: a devotion took him so great, that he made his vow to God that he should dwell in that place, & that he should serve god there from that day forth on, and that he should eat none other but such wild herbs as grew in the wood. And than he prayed unto our lord that reynald and his brethren might have peace with Charlemagne. And when Mawgis had do on his prayer: he rose up and came out of the chapel, and took the saddle from his horse, and the bridle, and so let him go to the grass, and went again to the Chapel.  
¶ But here leaveth the history to speak of Mawgis that was become an hermit: and returneth to show of reynald and of his brethren that had Charlemagne for their prisoner within their castle of Mountabawn.   

¶ How the barons of France that were at Mountawban, were sorry that they could not awake the emperor Charlemagne that Mawgys had brought a sleep through his art. But when the time of the charm of Mawgys was passed: the king awoke by himself, & he found himself at mountawban, he swore that he should never make peace with reynald as long as he was prisoner, and how reynald let him go again to his host upon his horse baiard, whereof reynald repented him afterward right sore. For soon after that: Charlemagne did besiege mountawban of so nigh that he famysshed reynald & his brethren with in with his wife and children.   depiction of two male figures asleep in a building, with two horses and two figures armed with pikes outside 
IN this parti showeth the history that when Mawgys had delivered Charlemagne into the hands of reynald, & that he was gone as ye have heard: reynald called to him his brethren, & said to them. Come hither my fair brethren tell me what we shall do with Charlemagne that we hold now in our hands, ye know how long that he hath damaged us, & hath do to us great harms without reason, wherefore me thinketh that we ought to avenge us upon him, sith that we have him Sir said richard I cannot say what ye will do of him, but and ye will believe me: he shallbe hanged forth with. For after he were dead: there is no man in all France that we should fear any thing. when reynald understood the counsel that Richard his brother had given him: he looked down toward the earth, and begun to think sore. And when richard saw him muse so: he asked him what he thought & if he cared who should do execution upon the king? for said richard ye shall not lack for that: for none other shall hang him but myself, and that I shall do even anon if ye will deliver him unto me. After these words: Reynawd righted his head up and said. My brethren ye know well that Charlemagne is our sovereign lord. And of tother part ye see how Rowland the Duke names, Ogier the dane, the bishop Turpin and also Escouf the son of Oedon are within for to make our pointment with Charlemagne, for they know well that we been in the right & the king in the wrong and thus if we kill him: be it with right or with wrong, all the world should run upon us, nor never as long as we live: we shall not be without war. And when reynald had said this: Alarde spoke in this manner. Brother ye have spoken wisely, but ye see that we cannot have peace with Charlemagne by no wise me seemeth that we ought to ask it of him out for all, and if he will not: let us keep him prisoner, brother said guichard ye say well, but my heart telleth me that he shall never make peace with us nor love us, Lords said richard me seemeth that we have a good head of reynald our brother, thanked be our Lord, the which hath governed us right well hereto, let him shift with the king as he will. And that that he will: shall be done. By my faith said Alarde, richard speaketh well. And when they were all accorded to that that reynald should do: the four brethren went to the chamber where rowland was, to whom reynald spoke in this wise. Sir rowland a rise I pray you that ye will send for Ogier, the bishop Turpyn and for all the other that be here within of the folk of Charlemagne. For I will tell you one thing. And when rowland saw reynald and his brethren at that time of the night come into his chamber: he was marveled. Nevertheless he sent for all his fellows, as reynald had told him. And when they were all come: reynald stood up and said. Lords ye been all my friends, god gramercy and you, whereof I will not hide nothing from you. Ye must know that I have here within a prisoner by whom I shall have peace & all mine heritance again. reynald said Rowland, I pray you tell me what he his. For here is no man, but that would fain ye should do well. By my soul said Reynawde it is the great emperor charlemain to whom all france belongeth. And when Rowland understood these tidings: he was sore marveled of it & said. reynald ye tell me now a wonderful thing, How have ye taken mine uncle so lightly? tell me & it please you, how ye had him here within? have ye taken him by force of arms? nay verily said Reynawd Tell me then how I pray you said rowland? wit it said reynald that I wots not how Mawgys my cousin did to night, but well I wots that he hath brought the king here within out of his pavilion, and hath laid him in a bed, in a chamber where he is now fast a sleep.  
When Rowland and all his fellows heard these tidings: they were greatly abashed, how it might be that mawhiss should bring the king there. I marvel much there of said the duke names, for ye know well that the king made himself for to be kept both night and day well sure. Lords said than Ogyer, all this hath done our Lord for the love of reynald, because he setteth him all to mischief against reynald and that the war hath lasted to long the which shall now be left, whereof I thank God for my part. For many good knights have lost their lives for it. And when Ogier had said thus: reynald took Rowland and the other, and brought them always speaking unto the chamber, where Charlemagne lay so fast a sleep, that they could not awake him, for nothing that they could do to him, For Mawgys had charmed him so hard. And when the barons saw the king so hard a sleep: they wundred full sore upon it, & they were greatly abashed of it. Than spoke Rowland first and said reynald where is Mawgis that hath wrought so well to night. I pray you let him come here, and that he awake mine uncle Charlemagne out of this sleep And when he shall be awaked: we shall all fall at his feet, and shall cry him mercy. And so I pray you that though if ye hold mine uncle in your hands, that ye will not be the prouder for it in your words, by my faith sir Rowland said reynald. I will that ye know I should rather die than I should say so my sovereign lord a foul word. But I shall put me, my goods, and all my brethren to his will, to the end that it will please him to grant us peace with him. And I will go fetch Mawgys to you, thereto do with him what ye will. And than reynald went and sought Mawgys the which he could not find, where of he was full sorry. And when that the porter wist that reynald sought after Mawgys: he came to him and said. Sir ye seek him for nought, for he went his ways out right now. And how knowest thou of it said reynald? Sir wit it that this night he made me open the gate and he went out upon your horse bayard. And he had not tarried long: when he brought a great man a big upon the horse neck afore him, & went in I wots not where. And soon after he came again upon another horse, and he had clothed himself poorly. And than he made me to open the gate, and he went out, and he came not sith again. And all this is troth that I tell you now.  
ANd when reynald had understand these words he was so wroth that he witted not what to say nor do. For he knew well by himself that Mawgys was gone his ways because he would no longer abide the wrath of Charlemagne. Than began reynald for to weep full tenderly for his cousin that was thus gone. And all weeping he came again unto the barons, and said to them how Mawgys was gone away without his knowledge where of he was so worth and so sori that he went almost out of his mind. And when Alarde, Guycharde, and richard had well understand this: they begun for to make great move, and sorrowed full sore. And than Richard began for to sai, Ha my fair cousin Mawgys what shall we do from henceforthon? sith that we have lost you: we may well say that we be discomfited. For ye were our salvation, our succours, & our hope, our counsel, our refute, our defence, and also our guide. For it is not yet long ago that I should have died an evil death if I had not been succoured through your help. Alas all the heaviness that ye bear of the wrath that the king Charlemagne hath against you cometh only by us. And when he had said so: he knacked his teeth for anger, and said. we been now well all lost sith that we have lost Mawgis. And with this: he set hand to his sword, & would have slain the Emperor Charlemagne but reynald drew him a side. And the duke names and Ogyer said than unto him. richard Richard refrain your courage. For it were not well done for to kill a man that sleepeth. And also afore that we shall depart hence: we shall set all at one and God will. ¶ shortly for to speak: Oliver and the Duke names spoke so fair unto richard that they made him promise them that he should do no harm to the King Charlemagne. Nevertheless richard left not to make great sorrow for his cousin Mawgys that he had lost. For all them that saw him make so great moan had pity for to see him. It was no marvel if Richard made sorrow for Mawgis: For I promise you he had great need of him not long after. And so had all his brethren, as ye shall hear here after.  
ALl thus as the four sons of Aymon made their move for the love of their cousin Mawgis: The duke Nymes began to speak & said in this wise. By god, lords ye do not well for to make so great sorrow. I pray you leave this heaviness. And let us begin to speak of your peace that must be made with the Emperor charlemain that an end may be had of this war, that hath endured so long. By god said rowland ye be passing slow thereupon. And also we must first have his mercy or ever we move any thing of the peace. For ye wots well that I left him because that peace should be made. Sir said the duke names ye speak wisely and well, but how shall we speak with him without Mawgys were here? we cannot awake him. And but if god remedieth it: we shall never speak with him. But all thus as the barons spoke in this wise: The charm that Mawgys had set upon Charlemagne was come at an end, and the strength of it was passed. And suddenly Charlemagne began to move his body, and arose anon upon his feet, and right sore abashed looked all about him. And when he saw that he was at mountawban in the subjection of Reynawd the son of Aymon: he was sore an angered, and made such sorrow for it, so that all they that were there trowed that he had been mad and from himself. And when his wits were come again: he knew well that Mawgys had done it unto him & swore that as long as he were man on live: he should make no peace till that he were out of Mountawban, and that men had brought Mawgys to him. And when richard understood this that Charlemagne said: he began to say in this wise. How the devil dare ye thus speak? sir ye see well that ye be our prisoner. And yet ye threaten us. I make to god mine a vow and to saint Peter, were not that I have promised, that I shall not do to you no harm at this time: I should strike the head from the body of you. Hold your pease said reynald, let the king Charlemagne say his will, ye are over busy in your words. And let us all pray him that he will pardon us. For the war hath lasted to long, cursed be he that began it. For great evils and harms the which are happened thereby.  
reynald was wise, and well taught for to still thus his brethren, to whom he said. My lords my brethren, if it please you, ye shall come with me, for to cry mercy unto our sovereign lord the Emperor Charlemagne. reynald said Alarde, we shall do all that ye will. By mi faith said the duke Naimes, My lords ye do right wisely, and I promise you that all good shall come to you thereof. Than Reynawd and all his brethren, and Rowland and Oliver, and Ogyer the Dane, the duke names, the bishop Turpin, and Escoufe the son of Oedom began all for to fall on their knees, before the emperor. And Reinaud spoke first, and said in this manner of wise. Noble Emperor have mercy of us, for I and my brethren we yield us to you to do your pleasure of us, & your will be so that our lives been saved: & there is nothing but that we will do it for the love of you if it please you to grant us peace with you. And for that piti & pardon that God gave unto Mary Magdelene when she washed his feet in the house of Simeon, good sir have pity of us. And if it please you not for to pardon me: at the least pardon my brethren. And take them again their lands, and I shall give you Mountawban, and baiard my good horse And so shall I go into the holy land I & Mawgis, where we shall serve to the Temple of our Lord. And when the king Charlemagne heard reynald speak thus: he blastred all for anger, and said by that good lord that made me, if all the world speak to me thereof, yet should I never consent me to no peace, but I have Mawgys in my hands for to do my will upon him. Alas said than reynald, now have I heard that word biting, whereof I am all desperate. For I should rather let myself be hanged, than that I should consent to the death of Mawgys my good cousin. For he hath not deserved toward us, that we should betray him, but rather he were worthy by reason for to be lord above us. reynald said than Charlemagne, think not though I am your prisoner that ye shall make me do any thing against my will, sir said Reynawd wite it that mine intent is for to meek myself toward you for I have liefer that we suffer wrong of you, than ye of us, now tell me sir how I shall deliver you Mawgys that is our life, hope, succours, our comfort, shield, our spear and also our sword our breed, our wine and our flesh, also our refute, our master our guide, and our defence in all places, whereby sir I tell you that if ye had all my brethren in your prison, and that ye should make them to be hanged, and that Mawgys were with in my power and with me: yet would I not yield him unto you for to quite withal my brethren. And also I swear you upon my faith that I wots not where that he is gone, god wots it. Ha said the Emperor charlemayne, god's curse have he, for I am sure he is here within you, he is not said reynald I take it upon my baptism. And than reynald turned himself toward rowland and all the other barons and said to them. Lords I beseech you for God that it will please you for to pray our sovereign lord the king that he will have mercy of me and of my brethren, to the end the peace may be had in France if it please him. And than names that was kneeling upon his knees, and that heard that reynald had said and wist well that he spoke but well: said to the Emperor in this wise, Sir I pray you that ye will not be disposed of that I shall tell you, ye know sir that I am surety for reynald, and so is Ogyer the dane, but me seemeth that we ought now to be discharged thereof, sith that ye be here present within his castle, but another thing I will tell you, me thinketh that ye ought to take, that the earl reynald proffereth to you or that any more harm come to you thereof, and so help me God ye shall do well. And all they of your court shall be glad of it. And when the barons heard this that names had said to the king Charlemagne: they spoke all and said. Sir do that the duke names hath told you, for he hath given you good counsel and true. And if so be that ye do it not: ye shall come to late for to repent you of it.  
But When Charlemagne understood this that the duke Naimes had said to him: he was right wrath of it. For his heart was so hard astonied with great anger: that he took no heed of good counsel, and he swore by saint Denys of France that he should not do it for no man but if he had first Mawgys in his hands for to do his will over him. And when reynald heard these words: he blustered in his face for anger, and rose up from kneeling his brethren and all the other barons also. And then reynald said to rowland and to all the other Lords that were there. Sir I will well the Charlemagne know my will & my intent, the which I shall show afore him unto you. Wit it that sith I can find no mercy in him: I pray you that ye will not blame me from hence for thou, if I seek my right. For I shall seek it in all the manners that a true knight ought to do. And when reynald had said this: he turned him toward the king, and said to him. Sir ye may go hens when it please you, for by my soul ye shall have no harm of me now, for ye be my sovereign lord, & with good will we shallbe in good peace with you.  
THe barons of france that were there: wundred sore of the great kindness of reynald. Than said the duke names, have ye heard the great humility of the noble knight reynald? By soul said rowland. reynald saith marvelously. I would not have trowed that he should ever have fared so fair with Charlemagne. And when Richard understood that, that his brother Reinaud had said: he spoke in this wise, brother Reinaud I hold you mad. What will ye do? ye see that we have in our hands this vengeable king the which we may kill or else suffer him to live, & yet he is set so sore to pride that he will do nothing that his good counsel telleth him, but he threateneth us always more and more, and ye will let him go thus a way: surely brother if he scapeth us so: he shall yet anger us right sore, and I promise you if he had us as we now have him: he should make us all to die shamefully, not all the gold in the world should not save us therefro. And therefore I tell you that ye do great folly to let him go thus away. For and ye will, ye shall now make our peace, but me seemeth, ye seek none other but your death, whereof I pray god if ye suffer him thus to go away: that he may make you to die a shameful death. And when Reynawd heard his brother speak so: he was wroth & said to him in anger. Hold your peace brother for he shall go his ways quite will you or no, and the peace shall be made when he will and no sooner it shall not be, for there unto he shall not be compelled of me, and go you hens from me, for your great words displeaseth me.  
When reynald had said this: he did call a gentleman of his to whom he said, go lightly without any tarrying to the yeoman of mine horses, & bid him bring me my horse baiard. For I will that my sovereign lord ride upon him unto his host, for he road never upon no better horse. And when Richard heard this: he went fro thence all swelling with anger as a fyersfull lion because he knew that Charlemagne should go so. And wit it that the king Charlemagne heard and understood well all these words, but he durst not say nothing, so sore he feared the fierceness of the young Richard. This hanging: came there again the gentleman that was gone for baiard which he brought with him, & than reynald took his good horse baiarde & came to Charlemagne, & said to him, sir ye may light when it please you, and go at your liberty, for to comfort your folk, which I am sure been full sorry for the taking of you. And when charlemain saw this he lighted anon upon baiard & went out of Mountawban for to go to his host, and reynald conveyed him to the gate of Mountawban, & when the king was gone: he made the gate to be shut anon. And the french men that saw their king come again: they were right glad and received him worthily, & after they asked him how it went with him and if he had granted the peace lords it is well with me, God gramercy, but of peace I have made none nor never shall as long as I am man a live for no man that shall speak to me of it, but if I have the traitor mawgis for to do with him mi will. Sir said some of his barons how have ye be delivered. By my faith said charlemain, reynald hath delivered me against that the will of his brethren all quite at my liberty. Sir said the barons have ye not seen rowland, Oliver, the duke Naimes the bishop Turpin, Ogier the dane nor Escouf the son of oedon? yea surely said Charlemagne, but they have all forsake me for the love of reynald, whereof by that god that hang upon the cross if I can have them again: I shall show them that they have not done well, and when he had said thus: he lighted from baiard and made him to be brought again to reynald.  
ANd when reynald saw bayard, that Charlemagne had sent him again: he called rowland and his fellows & said to them, fair lords I know well that ye be not in the grace of the great king Charlemagne for the love of me, but I will not that ye have maugre for me nor for my brethren, and therefore fair lords I quite you all quarrels that I may lay upon you, and give you leave to go when it please you. And when the Duke names understood the kindness of the heart of Reinaud that was so noble: he thanked him highly, and kissed and embraced him for great love, & would have kneeled down afore him, but reynald would not suffer him.  
Than the duke names began to say, let us think to go after the king Charlemagne your uncle, sith it please reynald to give us leave names said rowland, how can we do this, shall we leave Reynawde the which ye see mine uncle will destroy wrongfully? Sir said the duke names hear me if it please you. I counsel that we go hens, and when we shall be afore Charlemagne: we shall ask him how reynald did deliver him, for if we speak to him of peace: he shallbe wroth with us; but when he shall remember the great goodness and courtesy of reynald his heart shallbe mollified, & it cannot be but he shall do to him some grace and favour, for he shall know well that his heart is over great, & that he hath done to reynald great wrong. Certes sir names said the barons ye speak wisely, and ye give right good counsel. And when they were accorded to the counsel of the Duke names: rowland asked after his horse, and each of the other barons also. And when they were ready for to light on horseback: there came mi lady Clare the wife of reynald that kissed rowland, Oliver and all the other barons, and after she said to them in this manner. Lords that be here present. I beseech you in the name of god & for his blessed passion that it pleaseth you for to purchase the peace of my lord reynald and semblably of his brethren toward the great king charlemain, ye know my lords that the king doth to my lord great wrong: and also ye know the great courtesy and the kindness that my Lord my husband hath showed unto charlemain, and well ye wots that if my Lord had not be: his brother richard would have striked the head from the body of him. Madam said the duke names doubt not. For and god be pleased the peace shallbe made with in these three days. And than they lighted all on horseback, and the three brethren of reynald conveyed them to the gate, and reynald tarried after them upon the bridge, & when they were come to the said bridge Reynawde said to them, My lords I commend you to God. I may no longer go with you, praying that ye will have me in your remembrance. Then all the Peers of France (that were there) began to weep tenderly and took their leave of reynald the noble knight, & after they took their way toward the host of Charlemagne. And when the Emperor saw them come: he called to him his barons and showed them they that were coming. And when the barons saw them: they marveled greatly & had great fear, for they wist not what it was, but Ydellon the Earl said, by god we have recovered rowland and his fellows, yea said Charlemagne, gods curse have they. This hanging: Rowland and his fellows came tofore Charlemagne and lighted a foot, and incontinent they kneeled humbly afore the king and than the duke names began to speak first and said. Noble Emperor we are come in your presence for to cry you mercy, beseeching you for God that it will please you to take us unto your good grace, for we have done nothing against you but that it was for your we'll. But sith that we have known that your will was not for to have peace: we have forsaken reynald and all his brethren nor never while we been a live they shall have no succours of us. Lords said Charlemagne I pardon you, but I tell you if we tarry here long still: we shall have little gains thereby, wherefore I pray you that we go assault Mountawban both by day and by night, by such manner that he be taken of us incontinent, & they all that been in it brought to death. Sir said the duke names ye say well, but and if any mifortune happeth to us as it hath done here afore time: I promise you it shallbe to you great damage, and me seemeth it were much better to have peace, than for to continue the war.  
ANd when the Barons of France heard this, that the duke names had said to the king: they began to cry with a high voice Sir Emperor, we pray you that ye will do this that names counseleth you. For he giveth you good counsel. When Charlemagne heard the cry that his folk made to him: he came to the duke names that was kneeling afore him, and took him up, & in like wise his nephew rowland and all the other, and said to them. My lords ye know that I have pardoned you with right good will, but I will well that ye know but if ye keep yourself fro helping of my enemies mortal I shall anger you upon your bodies. For I hate them so much that if I should abide here all my life: I shall destroy them. And wit it that Charlemagne was glad that he had recovered his nephew Rowland and his other Peers how be it he made no semblant of it. And he said yet again, that he should never depart from his siege till that he had taken Mountawban and all the four sons of Aimon, whereof he shall do sharp justice, & shall do brenne Mawgys the false traitor. Sir said Rowland I promise you that Mawgys is not within Mountawban, for he feareth you so much that he dare not abide you, lest ye should make him to be hanged, because he did steal you so falsely out of your host. Ha god said Charlemagne, when shall I see that I have him for to do my will of him? For than the Sons of Aymon should soon be a greed with me.  
THan when the king Charlemagne had devised long enough: he gave leave to all his barons for to go again into their tents for to see the●r folk. And when the morrow came: all the barons came again unto Charlemagne. And when the king saw them together within his pavilion, he was thereof glad, & spoke to them thus. Lords I have besieged Mountawban as near as ye see, and I am not disposed for to depart hence neither for cold, for heat nor for hunger, unto the time that I have taken him by fine force, the which thing shall be lightly done, for I am sure that they shall want victuals within. And worse is for them: they have lost the traitor Mawgys which was their hope and comfort. wherefore I say that they cannot hold it long against my power, when the barons heard that Charlemagne threatened Reynawde so sore: there was none of them but they were sorry for it, for the most part of them loved reynald for the worthiness and the kindness that was in him. Then spoke the Duke Naimes and said to the Emperor, Sir ye say that they of Mountawban be dyspurueyd of meat, and that ye shall not depart from the siege till that ye have taken the castle and that is a thing that shall be done lightly, but I promise you if ye tarry to their vittailles be do: ye shall lie here longer than ye ween of, wherefore sir I beseech you, that it will please you to believe my counsel if it seemeth you good, first take heed to the curtoysy that reynald hath done to you, for ye wots well that if he had not be: his brother Richard should have slain you, all the gold in the world should not have saved you. Item think then also in the great meekness that he hath always showed to you, also for the great trust that he hath had in you, he lived you his good horse bayard that hath no match in all the world, sir if ye overthynke well all, ye shall find that no man did never to none other so great curtoysye as Reynawd hath done to you, and of that other part he and his brethren been such knights as every body knoweth. I swear to you sir by all halloween that or ever ye shall take Mountawban: reynald and his brethren shall bear to you such damage, whereof ye shall be wroth. And yet ye ought well to take heed how we wast and destroy the country and the fields and great good ye do dispend, which for your honour were better to be employed upon the Saracens: than upon the four sons of Aymon, for the Saracens been now in rest making great joy for the cause of this war, and they do well. For war hath left them, and it is come among ourself so horrible and so cruel that many noble and worthy knights been dead thereof.  
THe king Charlemagne was sore abashed, when he heard the duke names speak so: and it moved his blood full sore and became pale as a white cloth for the great wrath that he had at his heart, and casted a side his sight angrily upon the duke names and said to him by great wrath. Duke names by the faith that I own to that blessed lady that conceived the son of god in her virginity, that if there be any man so hardy to speak more to me of accord to be made with the four sons of Aymon: I shall never love him but I shall anger him on his body. For I am not disposed to make peace with them for nothing that can be said, but I shall hang them what soever it cost me or I depart from this siege. when the barons heard Charlemagne speak thus proudly: they were sore marveled of it, and left to talk of this matter. But when Ogier saw that all the barons held them still: he began to say to the king Charlemagne. Cursed be the hour that reynald suffered not richard to smite of your head, for ye had not threatened him so now. And when charlemain heard that Ogier said to him, he bowed his neck and looked downward all pensifull and sin he said, now lords make you ready & see that every man fall to his armours, for I will now give assault to Mountawban. And when the frenshemen heard the commandment of the king: they made no tarrying but went & armed themself, and when they were all ready: they came in good ordinance, and brought ladders & other instruments with them for to saute withal the castle and engines for to break down the walls, and presented them before Charlemagne for to accomplish his will. And when the king saw them so well appareled: he commanded them to go saute the castle of Mountawban.  
ANd as soon as reynald saw his enemies come: he called his brother Alarde, and said to him. Brother I pray you take bondy my good horn & blow in it strongly to the end that our folk arm themself when they hear it, for here come the frenshmen to saute us. when Alard understood the commandment of reynald: he took bondy, and blewe in it with so great a wind three times that all they of the castle heard it, and were all abashed with all and without any tarrying they went & armed themselves, and lightly gate upon the walls for to defend the Castle. Nevertheless the french men came near and entered in to the dyches as hogs done in a mire, and dressed up their ladders to the walls. But wit it that they of within the castle began to defend so strongly with casting of stones: that they domaged sore the frenshemen so that many of them lay dead within the dyches. For Reynawd & his brethren did there so great feats of arms that no body might endure their strokes, who had seen the poor duchess and her young children at that saut bringing stones to reynald and to his brethren upon the walls: he would have had pity of it. For the two young sons of Reinawd said to their uncles, hold our uncles these stones, for they been great enough. Such defence made they of Mountawban, that they overthrew them that were upon the ladders to the bottom of the ditches, all dead and sore wounded, and when the king Charlemagne saw this: he was wroth, for he knew than well that he should never take Mountawban by force, nor also the noble knights that were within it, as Reinawd and his brethren. And therefore he made the trumpet to be blown, to call his folk a back with so great anger that he was almost out of his mind, and when the frenshmennes heard blow the retreat: they were glad, for they were shrewdly handled, and I promise you that Charlemagne left such a company dead with in the ditches that he long after was full sorry for it.  
When charlemain and all his folk were withdrawn again: he began to swear saint Denys of france that he should never depart thence till he had famished reynald & his brethren within the castle of Mountawban, & than he commanded that afore every gate of the castle should be laid two hundred knights, for to keep that no body might in nor out, but he should be take. And when Reinaud saw that: he kneeled down upon his knees and heaved up his hands toward heaven and said. Good lord that suffered death on the cross. I beseech you that ye will grant us that grace that we may have peace with Charlemagne & save our lives. And when Richard heard the prayer of Reinawd: he took heed to it and said. Brother I promise you if ye would have believed me: we should now have be in good rest & peace. For Charlemagne would have be glad thereof for to save his life, ye know that our cousin mawgis brought him not here for none other cause to be our prisoner, but to the intent that we should make our peace, but ye would not take heed to it, when we might have had our will, and I promise you we shall not do as we would.  
THe emperor Charlemagne abode so long at the siege afore Mountawban, that they that were within it had great need of victuals, for he that had any meat: he hid it incontinent, and so great scarstie of vittailles was there within a while that men could get there no meat for gold nor for silver, and many other fell down at ground here and there so faint for hungers that it was great pity for to see, for the dearth was there so great that th'one brother hid his meat from the other, and the father from the child, & the child fro the father & fro the mother. And shortly to speak: I promise you that the poor folk died for hunger by the streets, and with this was so great stench in Mountawban of the dead that were there: that no man could endure it, And when Reynawd saw this he was sorry for it, and than he did do make & great charnel where in he made all the dead bodies to be buried. And when Richard saw so great mortality within the castle of Mountawban, through cause of the great dearth that was there, and saw his brother Reinawd in so great distress: he could not forbear, but he said to him, by god my brother now goeth it worse than ever it did, it had be much better if ye had believed me, for if ye would have suffered me to slay the king Charlemagne: we should now not have be in this mischief and great poverty that we have now, nor your folk had not died for hunger as they do, and than he began to weep tenderly and said Alas why do I complain other? I might well complain myself sith that I must die and be put in to the charnel as the poorest of us all. Ha Mawgis my fair cousin, where be ye now? ye fail us at our need, for and ye were here within with us: we should not be famished for hunger and also we should not doubt much the king Charlemagne, for I wots well that ye should get us victuals enough to live upon for us and our men, and now we must die for hunger as the wolf should upon a sea. for Charlemagne hateth us more than he doth the sarasyns. And therefore it is not for us to wait after pity of him, for he is over cruel a king upon us.  
Charlemagne by the report of some folk knew the great det the & scarcely of victuals that was within Mountabawn, whereof he was right glad, & called to him his folk and said to them. lords now can not Reinawd escape, but he shall soon be taken & hanged, & the false Richard drawn at an horse tail, & Alarde, & Guichard also, and their worthiness shall be little worth to them. And when the king Charlemagne had said these words: he sent for all his peers & barons, and when they were all come within his pavilion: he was glad of it and said to them. Lords thanked be god that I have brought mountawban so low that Reinaud and his knights have no more victuals in it, and now they shall yield themself at my will maugre their teeth, for the most part of their folks been dead for hunger, and yet dien daily, and ye must wit I will that reynald be hanged & his brethren also, but first I will that Richard be drawn at an horse tail. And so I charge you that none of you be so hardy to move my will to the contrary, for I will that it be done as I say. when the duke Naimes Rowland, Oliver, Ogier, the bishop Turpin, & escouf, the son of Oedon, that were there heard the king speak thus they were right sorry for the love of Reinawd & of his brethren, & looked down & said no word at all for fear that they should be shent of the king, & Ogier with great pain kept his eyen fro weeping lest Charlemagne should not perceive his sorrowful heart  
Here ye ought to wit that during the time that Charlemagne lay at the siege afore Mountawban persecuting the four sons of Aimon Reinawd, Alard Guychard, and Richard: Aymon their father held the party of the king against his children for he had promised him to do so, as ye have heard about, but wit it that when he heard how the emperor threatened his children, how be it that he had forsaken, them he was wroth for it, for he knew we: if his children died so: he should never have joy after that. for whatsoever war he made against them, he loved them kindli as the father ought love his child, for nature may not lie, & therefore he took so great sorrow when he heard of his sons that they were threatened to be hanged: that he almost fell down dead to the ground, & of the great sorrow that he had could not keep himself but he said. Sir emperor I beseech you that it will please you to bring my children to right, for though I have forsaken them, yet are they my sons of my body begotten. Hold your peace Aymon said Charlemagne, for I will that it be so done of them, for Reinawd did slay my nephew barthelor that I loved so much. And after he turned himself & saw the barons that spoke th'one to tother & said to them. Lords love your musing, for I tell you for a truth that I shall not leave to do herein my will for no man that speaketh ye wots well it is three year gone sith we besieged this castle first and ever sith have leien here, where we have lost many of our fo●ke, wherefore I command you that either of you do make engines for to bring down this great tower & all the remnant also, for with such manner we shall abash them greatly, and ye my nephew Rowland ye shall do make of the engines vii and Oliver shall do make vi. the duke Naimes iiii. the bishop Turpin, and Ogier the dane other four and ye duke Aimon said the king Charlemagne ye shall make three.  
How should I now do this good lord said than Aimon? for sir Emperor ye know well that they be my children, neither truants nor knaves but be the best knights of the world, & so I tell you sir that if I saw them die: I should for go my wits for anger. And when Charlemagne heard Aimon speak thus: he was wroth and began to gnaw on a n1 that he held in his hand, and after said. By that god that made me if there be any of you that gainsaith my will: I shall strike of his head with my sword. Sir said the du●e names anger not yourself. For that, that ye have commanded: shall be done incontinent. when the barons understood the commandment of Charlemagne: they went their way for to make the engines that the king had commanded, the which were anon made ready & these engines were for to cast great multitude of stones. And as soon that they were made: they were set for to cast again mountawban & in short time they damaged it full sore, & so I promise you that within the castle were made great crying of women and of children, & for fear of the stones they went and hid them under the ground and so they of Mountawban endured this mischief as long as they had any morsel of meat. And I ensure you that there was so great dearth and so great mortality: the men witted no more where to lay the dead. For the charnel was all full. Alas who had seen so young bachelors that for feintnes went leninge upon their staves through Mountabawn for lack of meat: he would have had great pity. For afore that the castle was besieged they were so strong and so mighty that none could have overcome them, but they were than so feeble that they fell where they went, musselinge in the ground as hogs.  
ANd when Reinawd saw the great pity that was among his folk: he had of it great sorrow because he might not put no remedy thereto, and than he began to say in himself. O good lord what may I now do? now I see well my wit ●uailleth me nothing, for I wots not where to seek victuals. Alas god where may Mawgis be now that he know not my great need and the outrage that Charlemagne doth to us. And when the good lady clare saw her lord Reinawd that complained himself so piteously: she began to say unto him in this wise. For soothe my lord ye do not well for to discomfort yourself so sore, for ye discourage us all within, moreover I promise you that here been yet within more than a C. horses, I pray you let one of them be killed, and ye, myself and our poor children shall eat of it, for it is more than three days ago that they nor I eat any thing that did us good, and when she had said this: she fell down in a swoon at the feet of reynald her husband, for great feebleness for lack of meat. And when Reinaud saw her fall: he took her v● anon in his arms, and after that she was come again to herself, she said all weeping. Alas dear lady marry what shall I poor wretch do for all my heart faileth me, and almost will my soul depart? also sore is my body famished alas mi children who should ever have wend that ye should have died for hunger.  
When Reynawd saw the great distress wherein his wife was: he had great pity of here, and the tears began to fall over the cheeks of him, and all weeping he went to his stable, and there he made a horse to be slain, the which he made to be dressed for meat to his folk, but I promise you that horse flesh lasted not long afore them for they were men enough to eat it up lightly. And here ye must know that all the horses that were within Mountawban: were in likewise eaten, one after another, except four, that is to wit baiard and the horses of the three brethren of reynald the which four horses they would not eat by cause they would not be a foot. And when Reinawd saw that there was no more thing that they might eat: he called his brethren and said to them. Fair brethren what shall we do? we have no more food to take us but only our four horses that are left alive. Let us do kill one of them that our folk may eat with us. By my head said Richard that shall not be mine, and if ye h●ue just to it: let yours be slain, for ye shall not have m●ne, and if ye have great myscheeftye be well worthy for through your pride: we are brought in this plight, because that ye let go the king charlemain, for and if ye had believed me: this great mishap had not be fall us. This hanging: came the little Aimon the son of Reinawd that said to Richard in this manner. Hold your peace mine uncle, for that thing that may not be amended, men ought to let it pass in the best wise. For it is to shamefully to rehearse that, that is passed but do as my father commandeth you & ye shall do well. For ye do nor well to anger him so as ye do, and though he hath miss of his intent, he hath bought it dear enough as well as we, if the king Charlemagne hath damaged you long, it may well hap that god shall help you or ought long, if it please him, and I believe certainly that he shall do so, for the kindness that my lord my father did show unto charlemagne when he had him here, can never be lost as I we●.  
GReat pity had Richard of his nephew when he heard him speak thus wisely & took him between his arms and kissed him all weeping, and than he said to Reinaud. Brother command my horse to be slain when it please you, and give some comfort therewithal to this folk and to my lady your wife and to my young nephews your children. For my little nephew that is here hath well deserved to eat of it for the good ●ounseyll that he hath given to me now. Brother said Alard, let be slain which ye will of three, for it were to great adommage if bayard should die, and also I tell you that I had liefer die myself than that baiard should be slain. Brother said Guychard, ye say well, and anon the horse of Richard was killed and dresed to their meat, and so in like wise was done with the horses of the two other brethren, and full savourly it was eaten. And when Reinaud saw that there was no meat more: he witted not what he should do, for he was more sorry for his brethren and for his wife, and his children, than he was for himself, and began to say in this wise. Alas what shall I do? I am vanquished & overcome with out any stroke. It had be better for me to have believed my brother richard, for I had not be now in the misery and great need where I am in at this hour. Now I see well that Charlemagne hath chased me so much that he hath betrapped me within his gins, wheroute I can not scape, and I know well that I ought not to be complained, for I have made myself the rod wherewith I am beaten, and if I should repent me thereof: it should profit nothing, for I come to late for to do so. when Richard saw his brother Reinawd make such sorrow: he knew well his mind, and was right sorry for him, so that he shook all for sorrow, and wist not what he should say. For if Reynawd would have had of his own flesh: richard would well have given him of it, if he might have be comforted therewith. Then spoke Guychard that other brother and said. My good brethren what shall we do? we shall yield ourself or else die here for rage of hunger, and we may no more from hence forth on, but only wait after death. What say you brother Guichard said Reinawd, will we yield ourself ●o the most cruel king of the world for he should make us all t●●●anged shamefully, if any pity 〈◊〉 found in him: I would yield 〈◊〉 ●ladlye but there is none in him, 〈◊〉 ●herfore I am delivered that we shall not yield us to him, we shall rather eat my children, and after our bodies. But always if ye will ea●e bayard: I am thereof content for to pass the time for thou, for I have oft heard say, that a day ●espite is worth much. But nevertheless what so ever he said, he had no courage to eat Bayard, for it was all his succours. Brother said Alarde. I counsel that we eat baiard, rather than we should yield us in to the hands of Charlemyane, for he is to cruel, nor he shall never have mercy of us. And when Reinaud saw that they would eat bayard his good horse: he took for it such a heresy sorrow that he almost fell in a swoon to the earth, but he took together his strengths and stood upright and began to say. Fair brethren what will ye do? will ye eat bayard my noble horse, that so oft hath kept us from death and from peril mortal? and I pray you that afore ye slay him that ye slay me, for I may not see him die, and when ye have slain me: slay him hardly. And if ye will not do so: I forbid you in as much as ye love me that ye touch not bayard, for he that shall hurt him: shall hurt me And when the duchess heard Reinawd speak thus? she witted not what to do, than she said to him in great wrath. Ha gentle duke debonair, and what shall now do your poor children? will you that they die for hunger for fault of your horse? For it is three days passed that they eat any meat, shortly shall their lives come at an end and mine also, for my heart cleaveth in my body for fine force of hunger, and so shall ye see me die presently, but if I have succours. When the children heard the mother speak thus: they said to Reinaud. Good father for gods love deliver your horse, for he shall die as well for hunger, and it is better that he die first than we afore him. And when Alard Guycharde, and richard heard their nenewes speak thus: Richard spoke and said to his brother. Ha gentle duke for god suffer not that your children nor my lady your wife die for hunger, and we also. And when Reinawd heard his brotoer Richard speak so to him: his heart tendered with all right sore, & fell to wep, & said my fair brethren sith that it please you that bayard shall die: I pray you go and slay him. And when they were all accorded that bayard should be slain and eaten: they went straight to the stable, where they found bayard that casted to them a great sigh. And when reynald saw that: he said he should rather slay himself, than that bayard should die, that many times hath saved him fro death. And when the children had heard this: they returned again to their mother weeping & all dead for hunger.  
THan when Reinaud saw that his children were gone: he went to bayard, and gave him a little hay, for he had none other thing to give him. And than he came to his brethren, and found Alard holding Aimon his nephew that wept, and Richard held you, and Guichard, the duchess, that in his arms was swoned, and said to them. Alas for God mercy. I pray you take in you courage till night, and I promise you that I shall do so much that we shall have meat, and god wil Brother said Alarde we must suffer it would we or not. So long abode the knights that the night came, and when it was come: Reinawd said to his brethren. My brethren I will go speak to our father, for to see what he shall say to me, and if he shall let us die for hunger. Brother said Richard I will go with you if it please you, and ye shall be the more sure that I be in your company. My brother said the good knight Reinawd, ye shall not so, for I will go there alone, and if I bring you not meat: I shall then deliver you bayard. And when reynald had said this: he made himself to be well armed, and lighted upon bayard, and well secretly went out of Mountawban, and came to his father's pavilion, the which he knew well. For he had espied it from above the great tower while it was day. And it happened so that he found his father Aimon out of his pavilion all alone waiting if he might by any way understand some tidings privily of the castle. And when reynald saw his father: he said to him. What art thou that go now at this time of the night all alone? And when Aymon heard him speak: he knew him anon and was right glad, but he made of it no semblant, and said to him but what art thou thyself that goest at this hour so hie mounted? When Reinaud, heard his father speak: he knew him well and said to him. Sir for god have mercy upon us, for we die all for hunger, and all our horses been all ready dead & eaten, & so we have no more but bayard, that shall not die as long as I live, for rather I should let me be slain, for to me & to my brethren he hath often saved our lives. Alas father if ye will not have mercy on us: have mercy of my young children.  
HA fair son said Aimon, I can not help you for nothing, but go your way again, for I have you forsworn ye wots it well, and therefore I would not do against mine oath, for all the good in the world, and my heart is right sorry that I may not help nor give you secure. Sir said Reinawd ye speak ill, safe your reverence. For I promise you if ye give us no succours: that my wife, my children, my brethren and myself shall die for rage of hunger or ever three days been passed. For it is all ready more than three days that none of us eat any meat, and so I wots not what I shall do. Alas ye be our father so ought you to comfort us. For I wots well if the king have us: he shall make us all to be hanged and die shamefully. Which were not your worship, wherefore my father ye ought not to fail us if the law of nature is rightwise. My father for god have pity & mercy upon us, and hold not your courage against your poor children, for it were great cruelty, and also ye know well that Charlemagne doth to us great wrong, for to persecute us as he doth. when Aymon heard Reynawd speak thus: he had great pity of him, and was so sorry that almost he fell down in a swoon to the earth and after he began to behold his child Reynawd & sore weeping he said to him. Fair son ye have said truth that the king doth you great wrong, & therefore a light fro your horse and entre within my pavyllion and take what it please you for nothing shall be said nay to you, but I shall not give you nothing for to save mine oath. And when Reinawd heard his father speak so: he descended a foot & kneeled before him, & said an hundred gramercyes dear father and than he entered within the pavilion of his father, and jaded bayard with bread & with flesh both fair and fresh, and wit it that bayard did bear more than x. other horses should have done. And when reynald had well jaded bayard with victuals: he took leave of his father & went a gain to Mountawban, it is not to be asked what welcome reynald had of his brethren, of his wife, and of his men, & wit it that when they saw him bring so much victuals: they swooned all for joy to the earth, and when Reinawd saw this: he wend they had been dead for hunger. So began he to make great sorrow and not without a cause, and while that Reinaud sorrowed and made great moan: his brethren began to come again to themself his wife and also his two children. And when Reinawd saw them all upon their feet: he was glad and presented to them meat for them and for his folk, and they than made great joy and eat their fill at their ease. And when they had eaten well: they went to sleep except reynald that would keep watch himself. And on the morn when the day was come: they rose & went to hear mass, and after the mass was done they fell to their meat again, and eat all that was left over even of that Reinaud had brought, and when the next night was come, Aimon (that could not forget his children) made his steward to come before him and said to him, ye know how I have forsworn my children, whereof I am sori that ever I did so. But it is said that are the need the friend is known, I let you wit that my children been yonder within in great poverty and misease, and how be it that I have forsworn them: I ought nor may not fail them, we have three engyines that Charlemagne hath made me do make for to hurt my children whereof we have damaged them as much as we might, now must we help them after their damage. And I shall tell you, see that ye put within the engines bread and flesh both salt & fresh in great plenty in stead of stones, and let this be cast in to the castle, for if I should die myself for hunger I shall not fail them as long as: I have whereof to help them, and also I repent me full sore of the harm that I have done to them, for all the world ought to blame me thereof with good right, and we been in the wrong. Sir said the steward ye say well. For ye have done so much against them that all the world blameth you thereof, but incontinente I shall do your commandment. And than the steward went and made the three engines to be filled with vittailles, and after he bade the governor to cast them in to Mountawban. And ye must wit that many of the host blamed Aymon sore, that he made his engines to be cast against his children for they wend it had be stones, and when the night was passed & that Reinawd was up: he went here and there within the castle, & found foison of victuals that his father had cast, whereof he was right glad and said Good lord blessed be you, now see I well that they that have their trust in you can not far amiss, & than he called his brethren his wife & his children & said. My brethren ye see how our father hath pity of us. And then he made the vittailles to be gathered up and put in a sure place, and so they eat thereof at their ease for they had well great need thereof, for they were so sore an hungered that it was great pity. And wit it that Aymon made east so much victual within Mountawban: that they of within had enough for three months with good governance.  
NOw must we understand that Charlemagne had some knowledge how the old duke Aimon had given victuals to his children, whereof he was sore an angered & made Aimon to come incontinente afore him & said to him. Aymon who maketh thee so bold to give any m●at to mine enemies mortal? I know well all thy wiles, thou mayst not excuse thyself, but by the faith that I own to God I shall avenge me so well or night: that if I may ye shall lose your head for it. Sir said the duke Aimon, I will not deny it, for I tell you truly if ye should make me die or be brent in a fire: I will not fail my children as long as I may help them. For my children be no thieves traitors nor no murderers, but they been the most valiant knights of the world & the truest, & ween not you to slay my children in such manner, ye have to long wrought your folly if it would suffice you. when Charlemagne heard Aymon speak thus: he was angry with it, & for great wrath he looked as fire & Almost he smote Aimon, & when the duke Naimes saw this: he advanced him forth & said. Sir send home Aimon for ye have kept him here to long, ye ought well to understand that Aymon will not see his children to be destroyed, and therefore ye ought not to blame him nor smite him, after that Charlemagne heard the duke Naimes speak: he said to him. Naimes sith that ye have judged it: ye shall not be gainsaid, & than he turned him toward the duke Aymon & said to him. Now go forth out of mine host, for ye have done me more damage than profit, sir said the duke Aimon. I shall gladly do your commandment. And anon he went & lighted on horseback, and after said to the peers of france. Lords I pray you all that ye will have my children for recommended, for they been come of your blood, & let the king see well to, for if he make my children to die by such great vengeance as he hath said: if I should become a saracen & dwell in Affryque all the days of my life: I shall strike of his head, for none other gage I will not take. And when Aimon had said thus: he went out of thost into france to his country well heavy because that he left his children in so great poverty, & Charlemagne that saw Aymon go thus quite, and that he had garnished Mountawban of victuals: he was full angry for it. So studied he upon this a long while. And when he had studied long enough: he was so sorry that none might be more sorier, and returned himself toward his Barons, and said Lords I command you that ye break all our engines. For by them I have missed to have the castle of Mountawban. And incontinente the Barons made break the engines as the king had commanded. And by all thus Reinawd abode a long while in good peace, but their vittailles began sore to minish. And when Reinaud saw that: he was sorry, and began to complain in himself, & said good lord what shall I do? I know that at long running we shall not mow hold, and so shall Charlemagne have no mercy of us, but he shall make us die. Alas Mawgis where be you? For if ye were with us we should doubt nothing nor I should not suffer this great distress that I have. All thus as Reinaud complained himself: than came Alard that was so feeble that with pain he might stand upon his feet, and said to Reynawd. Reinawde for the love of god make bayard to be slain. For I may no longer live without meat, neither yet my brethren.  
THan when Reynawd heard his brother Alard speak thus: he was right sorry for it and took his sword & went to bayard for to slay him. And when bayard saw Reynawde he began to make great joy, and when reynald saw the there that bayard him made: he said to him. Ha bayard good beast, if I had the heart to do thee harm I were well cruel. And than yonnet the younger son heard that: he cried unto his father, sir wherefore tarry ye that ye slay not bayarde sith he must die, for I wax mad for hunger, and so I tell you if I have not shortly some food: ye ye shall seem die afore your eyen, & yet my mother & my brother also, for we may not longer live thus so hard we been famished. And when Reinawd heard his son speak to him so: he had great pity of him, and great sorrow in his heart, and so he had of bayard that cheted him so much. Than wist not reynald what he should say nor do, and so began to think along while And when he had bethought himself long enough: he advised him how baiard should not die. And tha● he called after a basin, and made bayard be let blood much, and after he had let him blood enough: Reynawd stopped the vain and gave the blood to Alard for to be dressed. And when it was sudden they eat all a little thereof, which gave them great sustenance. And to say the troth: Reinaud and his folk were well four days without any other food. And when it came to the v. day that they would have had bayard let blood again: he was so feeble that he cast no blood at all. And when the duchess saw that she began to weep tenderly and said. Sir for god sith that he giveth no more blood let him be slain, and so shall eat your poor children of him that dyen for great hungers, & I also. Madam said then Reinawd I will not do so. For bayard hath born us good company in our lives and so shall he do till the hour of our death for we shall die all together. And ye ought to know that Reinaud and his company were brought so low that they waited none other but death the which was them nigh enough, Than an old man that was among them came and said to reynald up Sir what shall it be? I see that you & Mountawban shallbe destroyed, but in you is not the fault, for it hath be well defended as long as ye might as it apeereth, and sith that I see ye may no more do: come after me and I shall show you away, where through we shall well all go out with out any danger, and I will well that ye know Mountawban was once made and shit, afore ye did make it, and the Lord that builded it first: let make a way under the earth that bringeth folk to the wood of the serpent, & I was a young child when that way was made, & I know well where it lieth, do dig where I shall show you: and ye shall find it without any fail, and thus shall we go free without any danger. when reynald heard these words: he was so glad of it that none might be more, so that he forgot his hunger with all and said. O fair God that all made, blessed be you. Now have I found that I desired, for I shall go to arden which I ought to love dear. And than he took the old man by the hand and made him to bring him to the place where he said and there he made to be digged in the earth and found the way that the old man said, whereof he was right glad and than he went to the stable and put the saddle upon baiard and after brought him to the way, but wit it that baiard was so feeble that he scant could go the pace, and than reynald, his wife, his brethren, his children and the remnant of his folk put themself to the way under the earth, so that no creature a live abode within the castle.  
GReat plenty of torches reynald made to be fired that they might see the better within the cave as they went, and he ordained his forward of that few folk that he had, and went forth in good ordinance with his banner displayed, & he with his brethren made the rearguard. And when they had gone a long while through the Cave that was wide & large: reynald made his folk to tarry and said to his brethren, my brethren we have done evil. For we have left behind us king Yond in the prison, certes I should liefer die: than that I should leave him so, for he should die there for hunger as a famished wolf, & that were to us great sin. By god said Richard he hath well deserved it, for of a man that is a traitor: men ought not to have pity, brother said Reynawde ye say ill. And than he returned again & came to the prison where the king Yon was, which he took out & brought with him. And when the duchess saw her brother the king Yond come: she said to him.  
Ha my brother ye are right ill come to me: for all the harm that we have suffered: cometh thorough cause of you. I am sorry that ye be not dead & rotten within the prison, for ye have well deserved it. Madam said reynald, let that alone I pray you, for he shall not die if I may. For I have done to him homage, wherefore I ought to obey him, and how be it he hath wrought full ill against us: yet shall I never be forsworn against him, when his brethren heard him speak thus: they said to him, brother ye speak well & wisely, & ye do that ye ought to do, nor ye shall never he rebuked of us for it, do therein as it pleaseth you, and after these words: they went on their way.  
SO long went these knights that they came out of the cave, and found themself at the wood of the serpent even at the spring of the day, & as soon as they were issued out of the said cave they were so scaped fro Charlemagne: Yonnet than the little son of reynald swooned there for great hungers. And when reynald saw that: he was right sorry for it, and took him up and said Fair son I pray you be a good cheer, for we shall have soon meat great plenty. And when he had said this: he took his other son Aymon in his arms and recomforted him much. And when reynald had done so: he looked about him and knew well where they were, and he said to his brethren. Lords me seemeth that we been nigh the hermitage of my good friend bernard, sir said Alarde ye say troth, but what shall we do? Brother said Reinaud. I counsel for the most profitable that we go there, and we shall abide there till the night be come, & than we shall take our way toward arden, for I counsel not that we go by day and also it cannot be, but the eremite shall have some meat, which we shall give unto my wife and unto my children. Brother said Alarde by my faith ye speak well and wisely. And than they put themself to the way, and they had gone but a little: that they found the hermitage, but as they went all thorough the wood of the serpent: they departed the one from the other as wild beasts eating the herbs and grasses as it had been apples or Peres, so great hunger they had. And when that reynald saw this: he was sorry and called them again and said. Lords ye do not well for to separe thus the one from the other. For it might lightlis turn us to damage I pray you that every man call other and gather yourself together, & let us go into the hermitage. For we shall find there bernard that shall make us good cheer I wot it well. And when they were come there: reynald knocked at the gate. And when bernard heard it: he came anon and saw reynald and his folk, whereof he was right glad, & came and kissed reynald. And after he said unto him, Fair lord ye be right welcome, of whence come you, and how is it with you? My friend bernard said than reynald. Wit it that I have let mine heritance by fine force of hunger and so I go unto arden. For I can none otherwise do at this time And I pray you that if ye have any meat: that ye for god's sake will give it to my wife, and to my children. For they been so sore famished that they die for hunger, but if they have some meat.  
When bernard understood these words of reynald: he had of him great piti for the distress wherein he saw reynald and his folk. And of the other part he was glad when he wist that they were scaped out of the dangers of Charlemagne, and anon he went to the duchess and said to her, madame ye be right welcome. I pray you doubt nothing. For ye be arrived in a good place, to take your rest at your ease. And than he went into the Chambre, and brought out bread and wine and all such as god had sent him. And after he set him beside reynald and said to him Lord take a worth such victuals as God hath given to me, there they been. I shall give you meat in despite of Charlemagne, Gramercy said reynald, here been good tidings for us, but when the night is come: We shall go to arden. For I doubt sore that Charlemagne shall aperceyve that we been departed. For if God grant me that I may bring me and my company to arden: I shall not set a roton apple for all the power of Charlemagne for I shall well defend me against him. Sir said the hermit ye say well. I pray god that he will fulfil your will. All that day sojourned reynald and his folk with bernard the Eremite, the which served, and comforted them with all his power, and also he gave of the Oats of his ass to baiard as much as he might eat. And when the night was come: reynald would departed and bad fare well to the Eremite, and when the hermit saw that they would go away: he found the means that they had three horses, whereof the duchess had the one, and the children had the other twain. And thus reynald with his fellowship went on their way so long that they came to arden. And when they of the City wist that their Lord was come that they had desired so long: they were well glad & came against him in fair company, and received him honourably, and conveyed him unto the fortress, & after they went & made feast through all the town, like as god had descended there, for great joy that they had of their Lord Reynawd. And when the Barons of the land wist that their Lord reynald and his brethren were come to arden: they were glad, and came soon to see him, and to him they made reverence.  
¶ But here leaveth the history to speak of reynald and of his brethren, his wife and his children that were in arden well at ease, for their great hunger was ceased, and shall return to speak of Carlemayne and of his xii peers for to show how he entered into Mountawban after that reynald was departed.   

❧ How charlemain after that he had besieged Mountawban & had famished Reinaud & his brethren: knew that they were gone, & had abandoned the place, & were gone to arden He went there and besieged them a gain, but or ever he had pight his siege. Reynawd, & his brethren made an issue upon him & his folk, & slew many of them. And took prisoner richard the duke of Normandye.   depiction of a siege camp with a king or Charlemagne with crown and sceptre, surrounded by men in armour; in the background a castle; in the foreground canons being fired 
IN this party showed the history that when the king Charlemagne was at the siege before Mounntawban sore an angered that he could not take Reinawd nor his brethren. Now it happened upon a day that Charlemagne road nigh the Castle for to wit how they bare themself with in Mountawban, And when he was nigh: he looked up to the walls and saw no body that was there, as they were wont for to be. And when he saw that: he was abashed of it, & came to the pavilion, and sent Incontinent for all his barons. And when they were come: he said to them Lords it is well nigh eight days age that I saw no body upon the wall●s of Mountawban, wherefore I believe that all they of it be dead. Sir said the Duke names, it were good that men wist the truth of it: send thither sir if it please you. When Carlemayne heard this: he lighted anon on horseback and all his Barons with him, & went to Mountawban. And when they were come unto the gate: they made semblant to give a sawt to the Castle, but reynald was to far for to defend it. And than Charlemagne wend verily that reynald and all his had been dead for hunger & great distress, he made to be brought thither a long ladder and righted it to the walls. And incontinent rowland mounted up first of all, and after him Ogyer, Oliver, and the Duke names. And when they were upon the walls: they beheld within, and they saw neither man nor woman, and so they went down from the walls, and go & opened the gate, and made Charlemagne to come in and all his folk. But wit it that Charlemagne went in as angry as any man might be. And when he was within & found no body: he was so sore marveled that he wist not what he should say nor do. So went he up to the dungeon and he found there no body, whereof he was more marveled than he was afore, and than he began to say. By my soul Lords here is great marvels and well the devils work. Wit it that reynald is gone and all his brethren, and all his folk also. And all this hath done that thief Mawgys that hath been here within, for it can none other wise be.  
AFter that Charlemagne had said these words: he began to walk within the Castle seeking all about to see if he might find reynald or any of his brethren. And so long he went thus here & there that he found the way there as they went out, & when the king Charlemagne saw the cave: he was sore abashed with it and called Ogyer the dane & said to him. Ogyer here is the way where thorough the traitors are gone away, and all this hath done me Mawgis. For he hath made this cave in despite of me whereof he maketh my heart to break in my belly. Sir said the duke names, ye blame Mawgys, but this Cave showeth not that it had be unmade this hundred years passed, and I tell you for certain that Saracens made it first. When Charlemagne heard these words: he began to smile with an angri fare, and cursed them that made the Cave, and was meruaylousli an angered, for he knew well that reynald and all his company were gone out at the same hole and so he was dismissed of his purpose, he said then to his folk. Now go lightly in, & seek where this hole bringeth men unto, for I shall not be at mine ease till I know it. And when Rowland understood Charlemagne: he put himself within the Cave, and made light a great many of torches for to see in it, and after rowland went plenty of Frenthe men that followed him, and they wr●t● so long till they came at the end of the cave, & found themselves in the wood of the Serpent. And when rowland was come out of the cave: he looked about for to know where they were but he could not himself know it, & than he said to his folk, Lords me seemeth that for to go any further for to seek after Reinawd it were but folly: for he knoweth well the country and we wots not where to go. Sir said his fellows ye say well, therefore let us return to Charlemagne your uncle for to tell him what we have found within this Cave.  
When rowland and his fellows were accorded: they returned that way that they were come. And when the king saw them come out again: he asked of them what they had found, and if they had found any issue to go out of the Cave. Sir said Rowland yea without any fail. Wit that reynald and his folk are scaped you and they have baiard with them for here ye may see the path. And when the king Charlemagne knew the troth how reynald and his company were gone: he was so greatly an angered the none might be more, and the same hour he sent his messengers in all his lands and countries for to wit if he might understand any tidings where Reinawd and his brethren were become. And when he had done this: he commanded that his host should dislodge, & that they should come all to Mountawban. And when the barons heard the king: they did his commandment, and came all to Mountawban & lodged them as well as they could, & abode well there six days making great joy that reynald and his brethren were thus expelled out of it. And as the barons were devising within Mountawban there came a messenger tofore Charlemagne, and salved him as to him appertained, and to him he said in this wise. Sir wit it that I have seen reynald Alarde, Guieharde, and Richard looking great to ye with great company of knights, keeping a great court within the city of arden, where as reynald giveth great gifts to every one. And I am sore marveled where he hath gotten so great treasure. And also is there with him the king Yond of gascoygne and that more is I tell you for certain that reynald hath made a great assemble of folk for to defend him against you if ye go in any wise for to assail him.  
THe king was much angry when he heard his messangere so swore he by saint denis he should never lie in no bed till he had besieged arden. And when he said so: he commanded to his barons that every man should truss his baggage and they should take on their way straight to arden. And when the barons heard Charlemagne speak so: they took on their way without any more tarrying toward Ardein and road so long till that they came to mountarg well, that was not far from arden, for men might see from thence the steeples of the town There was lodged the host of charlemagne that night, and I promise he did do make good watch, for doubt of the four sons of Aymon And when the day was come Charlemagne did set his folk in good ordinance, & with his banner dysplayed they road toward arden. And when reynald wist that Charlemagne was come for to besiege them within arden: he began to swear that he should not let him besieged as he had done within Mountawban. For rather he would fight with Charlemagne. And if it may so fall that he come in his hands: he shall not have pity of him as he had to fore time because he had found him so cruel and without pity. Brother said then richard now I see you speak like a knight, and by the faith that I own unto you I promise you that or ever Charlemagne shall besiege us: I shall slay more than an hundred of his folk, and but if god fail us we shall do such a thing that shall be to the great hurt & displeasure of him, whereof he shallbe sorry all the days of his life. For he is not mannered like a gentleman. For the more that he is prayed the less he doth. Brother said Alarde ye speak well and honestly. And I shall con you thank for it as long as I live.  
YE ought to wit that when reynald saw Charlemagne come for to besiege him with a great puissance of folk, he was nothing abashed with it, but he made incontinent Bondy his good horn to be blown, and made his folk to be arrived readily that were in great numbered and made them issue out of the City. And when his army was assembled in the fields: it was a noble thing for to see, and than he ordained his battles by good ordinance as a wise fighter. And after he had done so: he called his brethren and said to them. My fair brethren this day is the day that we shall die or else do so much that we shall bring the war at an end. Wherefore I pray you that every of us show himself a good knight, for in you is all my trust, and so I promise you that I have liefer di worthily in battle, than for to be hanged shamefully as thief My brethren I pray you come all nigh me. For I will that we been the first that smite upon our enemies. Brother said Alarde we shall do your commandment doubt ye not of it, and go forth when ye will, and when they were so agreed reynald did choose an hundred of the best knights of his fellowship, and said to them. Sirs I pray you that ye will be with me in the first battle, and ye shall do me great honour. Sir said the knights, we shall gladly do your commandment, and we shall not leave you as long as life is in us, and so we thank you of the great worship that ye do call us in your company for ye know well that we can not far amiss as long as we be with you.  
When reynald had ordained well his battles he made none other tarrying, but went the formest of all, the shield at the neck, and the spear in the fist & was mounted upon baiard, that beheld proudly about him making great noise. And then reynald gave him the spur, and went fair upon the folk of the King Charlemagne, and when Charlemaayne saw baiard reming that made so great bruit, and reynald upon his back that came in so fair ordinance: he was sore abashed of it, and said in himself. O good Lord, and where the devil have all ready had the four Sons of Aymon so many folk as I see here now come with them. I believe tha● it is some devils work. For I had not left many with them late a go. And now reynald is so puissant that he feareth me nothing. But I promise god all this shall not avail him nothing, but I shall do justice upon him and his brethren or ought long. And than he made his battle to set in ordinance in the best wise that he could, and lighted on horseback for to come fight with reynald, And when the Duke names saw that charlemain was so mad that he would go fight with reynald: he went to him & said sir, what is that ye will do? I promise you it were great folly for to fight with these folk, & it were better that ye made peace with Reynawd, For I am sure that reynald shall do all that ye will command him, and I tell you well that if we fight with them: that ye shall see many knights to trail their bowels through the field, whereof it shallbe great harm to the one party, and to the other.  
And such shall the loss be that it shall not be recovered again. names said the king Charlemagne let us alone, for I shall do none other wise for no man that liveth, I should rather let me to be dismembered. And when the duke names had understand his words: he was full sorry of it and left his speaking thereof, & from that hour Charlemagne delivered himself for to fight, and always he road forth in great wrath.  
ANd when reynald saw that the two hosts were approached sore nigh th'one the other, as to hand and hand: he said to his brother Richard that was next him, I will go speak with the king Charlemagne for to wit of him if he will pardon and take us unto his grace For if he would do so: I should do entirely all his will and pleasure as to our sovereign lord. By god brother said then richard, ye be not worth a bottle of hay, for the heart is all ready failed in your belly. Go forth mischaunt said then reynald thou wots not what thou sayest. For I will go there no man shall keep me therefro, & if he refuseth the peace when I shall axe it of him: I shall make mine avow to God that I shall nevermore require him thereof. Brother said Alarde ye say well and wisely, go there hardly and do therein your will. And than reynald made none other delaying, but he smote baiard with the spurs, and went incontinent toward the king Charlemagne, & said than to him. Sir for gods mercy suffer if it be your pleasure that we have peace and accorded with you, that this war that hath lasted so long may: finish, and that your wrath be put away from us if it please you, and I shall be ready to do all that ye will, and also I shall give you baiard my good horse. Than said the king to him, go fro me false glutton, the devil speed thee, for all the world shall not con keep thee but I shall slay thee. Sir said Reynawde ye shall not do so, and god will, for I shall defend me well. And wit it sith that it is come to this: ye shall not be spared of us, but we shall do the worst that we can. Smite knights said the king Charlemagne, I shall never praise you if this evil glutton scape me now. And when that reynald saw this: he said. Sir king of France I defy you, and forthwith he spurred Baiarde, and ran with his spear upon a knight, which he smote so hard in the br●st that he overthrew him dead unto the earth. And after that he went again unto his folk. And when that the king charlemain saw this: he cried wan high voice smite knights now shall they been discomfited.  
THan when Rowland heard the king Charlemagne cry thus: he spurred his horse and went after reynald, & also many other knights, but they ou●r took him not. When richard saw his brother come: he came him against & said to him. Brother what tidings bring you? shall we have peace or war? B●other said reynald let us do the best that we can do, for peace we shall not have. Brother said then Richard god bless you for the tidings that ye bring, for I think to do this day such a thing, whereof king Charlemagne shallbe angry. Brother said reynald I pray you that ye show yourself virtuous & strong against our enemies. When the king Charlemagne saw that it was time to set upon him he called hastily the duke names and said to him. names hold my Oriflam and think for to smite well and valiantly as a worthy knight ought for to do at either hand in keeping my worship, and hereof I pray you heartily. Sir said the duke names ye need not for to pray me, for I am bound for to do the same, but it grieveth me that ye have not done other wise, that is for to sai that ye should have granted to the peace, for the war hath lasted to long. Naimes I command you that ye speak no more thereof unto me, for while I li●●● they shall have no peace with me.  
Sir said the Duke names I am sorry for it. Now let see what ye shall do, for I go to battle first of all, and look that ye follow me if ye will for I shall put me in such a place whereof ye shallbe sore marveled, & not without a cause, for there his no man so cold, but he should soon get here there within a little while, Frow follow that will.  
ANd when reynald saw the Oriflam of France come: he broached baiard with the spurs, and ran among the thickest, and smote a knight so hard that he cast him down unto the earth. And after he turned him toward his folk & cheered them honestly, & than went again upon his enemies, and of them he overthrew four one after an other, and upon the fift he broke his spear into two pieces, and hurted him right sore, and anon he 〈◊〉 hand to flamberge his good sword and smote a knight withal upon his helm so great stroke that he cleaved him unto the hard teeth, and forth with he smote another with such strength that he made flee the head from the body of him. And after that he had done these two strokes 〈◊〉 cried arden as high as he could for to rejoice his folk, and when he had cried so: he said to them. Now upon them good knights, for this day we shall avenge the great shame the Charlemagne hath done to us so long without any reason. And when Alarde, Guycharde & richard heard reynald speak thus: they ran upon their enemies by such a manner that each of them overthrew vii knights at the enpraynte, who that had be there than he should have seen great feats of arms done of the four sons of Aymon, For after that they were once assembled together: the folk of the king Charlemagne might not endure afore them. For Reinaud and his brethren went smiting at either hand, and felled their enemies down sterke dead as beasts, so that the most part of them were slain or discomfited.  
When the King Charlemagne saw the great damage that the four sons of Aymon bore to him: he was right sore an angered for it. And with great wrath he went and ran upon the folk of reynald and smote a knight so vengeably that he cast him down dead to the earth, and broke his spear all in pieces. And after he took his sword in his hand, whereof he did marvels of arms, so much that his folk praised him for it, for he bore himself there valiant and strong. And wit that this marvelous battle was so cruel that it was great pity for to see. ¶ It is troth that Rowland was afeard for his uncle charlemagne that he should be overthrown when he saw him in the press, wherefore he went anon nigh him, and so did Oliver, Ogyer and all the xii peers for to keep that he should have no harm. And when the great battles were assembled the one against the other: ye should have seen there a sharp and a heavy battle so that it was pity for to see, for sith that rowland, Oliver and all the xii peers of France were come in the meddle: they began to make so great slaughter of the folk of reynald that they made them leave the place. And when reynald and his brethren saw that: they meddled them so sharply among the French men that every man made them way, for they reached no man but they threw him dead to the earth so much that there was nothing but it trembled afore them, ye ought to wit that from the hour of prime unto the hour of noon endured this mortal battle, that none wist who should have the better of it. But when noon was passed: the folk of reynald began to with draw themself, for they might no more. And for to say the troth if the folk of reynald withdrew them: they were not to be blamed for it, for Charlemagne had four times more folk than reynald beside the xii peers that were such knights as men well knew. But this that the folk of Reynawd did: Was for the good ensample that they saw in reynald & in his brethren. And when the noble knight perceived that his folk withdrew themself: he came to him that bore his standard and said to him. My friend ride toward Ardeine in the wisest wise that ye can, for this day we have fought right sore, and it is time that we go rest ourself. Sir said the knight I shall well do your commandment, and incontinent he took his way toward arden. And than Reinaud called his brethren and said to them, let us be behind for to keep our folk, for otherwise we are lost. Brother said richard doubt not, for as long as god giveth life to you & to Bayard: We need not fear nothing.  
When Charlemagne saw that reynald and all his company was gone: he cried with a high voice, now after Lords after for now been they discomfited. But this word of Charlemagne was cause that many a worthy knight lost his life. For such did follow after reynald that paid dearly for it. For reynald and his brethren slew more than an hundred that followed after them. And would Charlemagne or no. reynald and his brethren entered again with their folk with in arden. And ye must know that richard the brother of reynald: jousted with Richard the Duke of Normandye by the gate of arden as they would have entered in. And there the Duke was overthrown, the which was taken prisoner by richard the brother of reynald, and brought him into the City mawgre the folk of Charlemagne. And when reynald and all the folk were within arden: he made the gates to be shut. And after went, and disarmed them for to take some ease. For they had well need thereof.  
YE ought to wit the when Charlemagne saw that the four sons of Aymon had saved themself, and that they had taken Richard the Duke of Normandy prisoner that was one of the xii peers: he was s●● angry that no man can be more, for he feared sore lest reynald should make to die Richard of normandy, and when he saw that he might do none other: he commanded that the City should be besieged of all sides, the which thing was incontinent done as he commanded And than swore Charlemagne that he should never leave his siege unto the time that he had taken the City and the four sons of Aymon to be hanged shamefully. Sir said rowland ye know that I am he that most hath hurted the four sons of Aymon, nor never I speak to you of peace bewene you and them, but from hence forth reason commandeth me that I should speak & move there unto. Sir ye know well that it is a go xv years and more that ye have warred with the four sons of Aymon, & we had always the worse of the war and not without a cause, for reynald & his brethren are valiant knights, nor they be not to be lightly brought to discomfiture. And I promise you if ye had warred so long upon the sarasyns as ye have done on the four sons of Aymon: ye should have be lord of the most part of them, which had be to you more worship and less damage, & worse is: ye know how Richard of Normandy one of the best knights that ye had: is taken, and if otherwise it happeth to him than well: it shall be to you great dishonour and blame. For thereof ye shall see all France in a roar and trouble, but if ye put some remedy thereto, & I tell you if I were in the case that reynald is in: I should slay him. Sith that I might have no peace with you. Wherefore sir if ye will believe me for your honour and for your profit: ye shall sand word to reynald that he deliver you again richard of Normandye all armed upon his horse, and ye shall make peace with him, and I promise you sir he shall do it gladly with all that ye will command him and so shall all his brethren also. Rowland said than the king, will ye say any thing more. Nay sir said rowland. And I swear you upon my faith that the four Sons of Aymon shall never have peace with me, and so I tell you that I fear me not for richard of Normandy, for reynald should rather put out both his own eyen than that he durst do to richard any harm upon his body. And when the barons heard Charlemagne speak so: the tears began to fall down from their eyen for great fear that Richard of Normandye their Peer should have any harm. After all these things reynald and his brethren were within arden making great joy.. And after they were all out of their harness: reynald ordained good watch upon the walls of the City. And than he made come the duke Richard of Normandy afore him, & said to him in this manner. Duke richard ye know well that the king doth great wrong for to trouble us so as he hath done, and yet doth without any reasonable cause. And therefore I tell you for certain, but if that ye make us to have peace: think not to live any longer, for I shall do smite of your head and your body to be hewed in four quarters. Sir said the duke Richard of Normandye, I am in your danger, so may ye do of me your pleasure. Ye have taken me by war, and none otherwise: if ye do to me otherwise than ye ought of right of war, ye shall have dysshonour for ever more. And so I will well that ye know that as long as I live: I shall not fail Charlemagne for no fear of death. When reynald heard Richard of Normandye speak thus: he refrained a little his wrath, and than he commanded that he should be put in irons within his chambers, and that he should be well kept and courteously, and that he be well served of that appertaineth to his estate. Than was the Duke richard all thus in prison: but he was well served of all good meats, and he had good company for to play to what game that he would. And also the good Duchess clare did visit him often, and recomforted him with her fair language.  
When Charlemagne had besieged the City round about and saw that by no sawting, he might not get it: he did do make many great engines for to cast stones in, but what somever that he did: reynald and his brethren and also his folk issued out often, as well by night as by day upon the folk of the king Charlemagne, and did him great damage, for reynald took no man but he kept him prisoner, for to see if he might have peace with Charlemagne, by means of them.  
And while that Charlemagne had laid his siege thus afore arden: the king Yond of gascoygne fell sick a bed of a great sickness, & shrofe him of all his sins praying god to have pity and mercy on him, and after he had be long sick he died. God pardon his soul. And wit that reynald made him be buried worshipfully, as to a king pertaineth, but there was no man that wept for him, for all they of the City hated him, because of the great treason that he had done to the four sons of Aymon. ¶ Now leaveth the history to speak of this matter, & returneth to speak of Mawgis that was in his hermitage that served our lord with good heart, so much that he had forgotten reynald, his brethren & his friends.   

¶ How Mawgys he being in his hermitage, came in him a will by a vision that he had by night in a sleep for to go see Reynawd & his brethren And how he met with two merchants that vii thieves had rob in a wood, of which thieves the said Mawgys slew five, & delivered to the Merchants all their good again. And after this he went to arden for to see reynald, and his brethren.   depiction of a hermitage in the woods with a male figure or hermit with a pilgrim's hat and staff, handing purses to two male figures 
NOw showeth the history that when Mawgys was in his hermitage, & had watched so long about his prayers to God: he fell a sleep, and him seemed in his sleep that he was at Mountawban and saw reynald and his brethren that came against him, and made their complaint to him of Charlemagne that would take fro them the good horse baiard, but reynald had him fast by the bridle, and would not let it go. And wit it that Mawgys had so great sorrow in his dream: that he a work withal all wroth, and arose on his feet incontinent. And than he swore our Lord he should never cease to go till he had seen reynald and his brethren his good cousins. And when Mawgis had said so: he made none other tarrying, but he shut the door of his chapel, and took his weed and his staff, and went on his way also soon as he might. And about the hour of noon he found himself in a great wood where he found two men making evil cheer and great sorrow, & when Mawgys saw them: he came to them and said? God be with you. And one of them answered and said, certes god is not with us: but rather the devil, for unhappy was that hour that ever we came into this wood, for we been undone for ever. Good Sirs said Mawgys what aileth you that ye speak so. Good man said the one of the two, a little before you: are thieves that hath rob us of our cloth and have slain one of our fellows because he speak to them angrily. When Mawgys heard these poor marchauntꝭ speak thus: he had great pity of them and said to them. My friends come with me, I shall pray the thieves in our lords behalf that they will deliver you again your goods, and if they will not do it: I shall be wroth with them, & so I shall fight with them well as I can with my staff for to wit if their heads been soft or hard. When the merchants heard Mawgis say so: they began to look upon him if they could know him, but they might not know what he was. Then spoke to him one of them in this manner, and what devil is that ye say? thou art but a man alone all naked and they been all armed and also ye can scantly heave up your staff. Let this fool alone said that other, see ye not how his eyen go in his head? And than they said to Mawgys. Brother go thy ways and let us in peace, or else I shall give thee such a stroke with this same n1 that thou shalt feel it well. And when Mawgys saw the merchant speak thus to him: he said. Brother thou dost not well to speak to me so, for by force thou cannot get aught of me. And thus departed Mawgys from the merchants, & went his way so much that he overtook the thieves and said to them. lords God save you. I pray you tell me why ye take a way the goods from these merchants? ye know well that it is not yours, wherefore I pray you let them have again their goods and their merchandise, & god shall con you thank. When the thieves heard mawgis speak to them thus: they were angry for it. And beheld upon mawgis from over the shoulder as he had be a Sarasyn. Thenne spoke the Master of the thieves and said thus to Mawgys. Go away whoreson or else I shall give thee such a stroke with my foot that I shall breast the heart within thy belly. And when Mawgis heard this and knew that the thieves feared neither god nor his mother: he was right an angered, & heaved up his palmers n1 & smote the master thief with all upon his head so strongly that he cast him down dead to the ground. And when the other thieves saw their master dead: they ran all to Mawgys to have killed him, but Mawgys areched them so with his stuff that he slew five of them within a little while and than the other twain began to flee away through the wood. And when Mawgys saw that they forsook the place: he followed them not but cried upon them. Ha false thieves turn again for to deliver your theft where ye took it. And when the Merchants heard Mawgys cry thus: they came incontinent toward him, and they found that the thieves that had rob them were dead. And than they said the one to the other, here is a good pilgrim. I ween it is my lord saint Martin  
ANd when the merchants saw this that Mawgys had done: they were right glad of it. So came they toward Mawgys and kneeled before him and cried mercy of that they had said to him. Lords said Mawgys if ye gave me great words: so did the thieves much more. For they called me rybaude truant and whoreson, but they have bought it rig●t dear as ye may see. & I am right sorry that two of them are scaped from me. Stand up than & take with you your goods again and god be with you, but I pray you tell me or ye go if ye wots not, where is Charlemagne. Sir said the merchants, we wots well that Charlemagne hath taken Mountawban, but we promise you he hath not yet taken none of the four sons of Aymon: for they were gone out with their folk through a cave under the earth, that they found under the walls of the castle unto the City of arden where as they been now. And Charlemagne hath laid there his siege afore them, & will not make no peace with reynald nor with his brethren. Certes said Mawgys I am sorry for them, for they been good knights and true. When Mawgis under stood that Charlemagne had besieged reynald within arden: he commended the merchants to God & took his way toward arden, and so much he went that he came into the host of Charlemagne, and went straight toward the City, & made semblant to be sore feeble, for he went leaning upon his staff. And when the folk of the king Charlemagne saw Mawgys go thus: they looked sore upon him and said th'one to the other, that pilgrim is like for to go far, he cannot stand upon his feet. By my oath said another it might well be Mawgis that is so disguised, for to deceive us. It is not so said the other. Mawgis is not alive. And while that they devised thus together: Mawgys came near to the wicket of the gate, and found the means that he got in anon. And when he was within arden: he went unto the palace. Where he found reynald and the duchess his wife and both their children Aymonet and Yonnet, and their uncles his cousins, with a great meinie of noble knights that were all at their meat. When Mawgis had looked a while upon them, he leaned against a pillar that was in the mids of the hall afore reynald. Than began he to look again upon his fair cousins that he loved so much above all thing of the world. And when the Marshal of the hall saw Mawgys, weening to him that it had be a poor eremite: he commanded that he should be served of his dinner for God's sake. And when Mawgis saw the meat that was brought him, he said my lords I beseech you for the love of God that it will please you for to bring me some brown bread and water in a trene dish, and thus I shallbe served as unto me appertaineth. For I dare not take none other meat. And when the steward of reynald saw that, he made him anon to be brought all that he would have. Than took Mawgys the brown bread and made sops in water, & eat of it with a good appetite. And when that reynald saw this poor man afore him that lived so poorly and was so lean and so pale: he had of him great pity. So took he a dish that was before him that was full of venison, and sent it to him by a squire of his that presented it to him saying thus, hold good man the duke sendeth you this, god yield him said Mawgys, and than he took and set the dish afore him, but he eat nothing of it. And when reynald saw that: he was greatly marveled, & said to him self. god who is that good man that liveth so hard a life, if he were not so leave: I should say that it were my good cousin mawgys, but another thing showeth me that it is not he. For he would not hide himself from me in no wise.  
reynald beheld still Mawgys so much that he left his meet for to look upon him. And when the tables were taken up, & that every man had eaten at his ease: they went to their ward for to defend the town as they were wont for to do, in their harness. And when reynald saw that every man was gone, and that there was no body with in the hall for whom he would leave for to say his will: he went to mawgys and said to him, good eremite I pray you for the reverence of that God that ye serve that ye tell me if ye be Mawgys or no, for ye are well like him. When Mawgys heard Reinawd speak thus to him: he could hide himself no longer, and said all on high. Cousin I am Mawgys without doubt. I am come to see you and I am glad that I see you and also all your brethren in good plight And when reynald understood that it was his cousin that he loved most of all the men in the world, & that had kept him diverse times from peril and danger, he had not been so glad if men had given him the half of all the world. So went he and kissed him more than a hundred times, and after he said to him in this manner. Fair cousin I pray you that ye will do of this cope that ye were upon you. For my eyen cannot see you thus poorly arrayed. Than answered Mawgis to him and said, My cousin be not displeased of that I shall tell you, ye must wit that I have made my vow to god that I shall never eat but alonely bread and wild herbs and that to my drink I shall take none other but water, and that I shall never wear the days of my life none other clothes but such as this is, for I have given myself utterly to serve and love our blessed saviour & his glorious mother, for to bring my soul to salvation in the bliss that ever shall last.  
When reynald heard his Cousin Mawgis speak thus: he was in a thought whether it was Mawgys or no, for he could not know him well because he was so sore appaired of his person. And began to look well upon him again, and he should never have known him if it had not be a little list that he had by his right eye. And after that he had very knowledge of him: he made great joy for him. And he prayed him again saying in this wise. Fair Cousin I pray you for the love of the faith that ye own to me that ye will tell me the troth of that I shall ask you. Sir said Mawgis I shall tell it you gladly. Cousin said reynald I would wit where ye have be ever sith that ye went from me, & fro whence ye come now Sir said Mawgis sith it please you to wit of my living: I shall show it you with a good will, ye ought to know my fair cousin for certain that I have made myself an hermit, & I have left the world for to serve him that made me, & the blessed virgin mary his mother, for to have pardon of my sins that I have done in my life, for I have done many great evils against my creator, & by me are dead so many folk whereof I know that our Lord is greatly wroth against me. After that reynald had heard Mawgys speak thus: he had so great pity on him that the tears fell along his cheeks fro his eyen for love of his good cousin. And than he called his brethren & said to them, come hither my brethren & ye shall see your cousin Mawgys. And when Alarde, Guycharde, & Richard, heard these words: their hearts rose in their belies for joy and ra●● all to Mawgys & kissed him full sweetly. And when the duchess wist that Mawgys was come: she came anon there as he was and kissed him weeping full sore for joy that she had to see him. And than came there Aymonet & Yonnet that made great joy, & welcomed him. And thorough all the city was anon known the coming of the valiant Mawgis, whereof many folk came to see him. But he was so changed and so appaired that it was pity for to see. Thus was reynald well glad of the coming of his good cousin & after that they had made great joy a long while: reynald called his brother Richard and said to him, Brother go fet anon a good gown● for our Cousin Mawgys, and let him be brought a pair of shone that been wine enough, for I know well that his feet been sore, & than he said to his wife. Lady arise, and fet him such lennen as he needeth. Sir said she he shall have of the best enough anon. And when Mawgis heard this word he said to reynald. Sir I tell you truly that I have sworn that I shall never wear shone nor linen clothes about me. But do to me if it please you to give me a new slop and a large hood, a palster well yrende and a male, and therewith ye shall well content me. And than I shall commend you to god, and I shall go my way, for I am not comen here but only for to see you, whereof my desire was sore set unto. Right sorry was Reinawde when he heard mawgys say so, in so much that almost he was swooning for sorrow. reynald said than Mawgis leave your sorrow, for I have given myself to god utterly for to bring my soul to bless of heaven, and so will I go to the holy land for to serve to the temple of Iherusalem, and for to visit the holy sepulchre of our lord. And when I have done so I shall come again to see you and God spare me my life, and than I shall go again to mine hermitage, and shall live there as a beast with roots and with wild herbs as I did before that I came here. When reynald heard this he was sorry for it, & said to Mawgis in this wise. Fair cousin for god take with you a good horse and money enough. For ye shall have all this of me. Hold your peace said Mawgis I will not thereof, for when I have breed it is to me enough, for all my hope is in God, to whom I pray that I may come again whole and sound.  
AFter all these things thus said Mawgys prayed reynald that he would make haste to make him be delivered, such things as he had desired of him. And reynald did so sith that he might not make him to take none other thing with him. And when the morrow came, and that Mawgis had his new slop and his hood, he took his palster and his new male that Reinaud had given him, he went and heard mass, and after the mass he took his leave of every one, & went on his way. And reynald conveyed him unto the wieket of the gate of the City and kissed him: and in likewise did all his brethren, and also the duchess Clare and her children. And when they had all kissed Mawgys he commended them to God & went out of the town, and went forth the right way. But he was not far gone when he was advyronned round about him with the folk of the king Charlemagne. And the one said to the other: here is the hermit that we saw yesterday but he is now better clothed than he was at that time It might be well Mawgys the cousin of reynald that hath mocked us diverse times, certes said the other it is he verily, let us slay him, and we shall do well, we shall not sai● some: for this man seemeth to be an hundred year old. It cannot be, but that he must be a good man & it were sin to do him harm. All thus as these folk said these words, Mawgis heard all that they said and held his peace and went on his way still thorough the host without any letting of any man. ¶ Here leaveth the history to speak of Mawgys, that went into the holy land, and returneth to speak of Charlemagne that had besieged arden because that reynald and his brethren were within.   

¶ How reynald would do● hang richard of Normandy by cause he might not have peace with the king Charlemagne. And how the twelve Peers required Charlemagne to make peace with reynald. And how they left Charlemagne because he would not make peace. And how he sent word to them that they should come to him again. And he should make peace with reynald.   depiction of a siege camp with a king or Charlemagne with crown and sceptre, surrounded by a group of men, some armed with pikes; in the background a castle; in the foreground three canons 
IN this party showeth that the king Charlemagne was at the siege of arden sore an angered that he might not know how Richard of Normandy did. So sent he for all his Barons for, to come to him: And when they were come in his pavilion, he said to them thus Lords I see well that it goeth now ill with me, because I see that reynald hath not sent me again Richard of Normandy, and he might well have delivered him free & quite and have send him unto me for all the harms that he hath done to me. Uncle said rowland I marvel greatly of that ye say, ye show well to us that ye be without counsel. By the faith that I own to you, ye shall never see Richard of Normandye, but if ye pardon reynald & his brethren, diverse times he hath meeked himself unto you, and hath be always ready to fulfil your pleasure, & ye will not take him to your grace, be not than marveled if Reinaud show now some despite against you. For and ye consider well the great courtesy that he hath done unto you: namely when he had you at his will within mountawban & that he delivered you, and suffered you go quite and free fro him at your liberti, ye should do for him otherwise than ye do, but sith that reynald seeth that he may not find no mercy in you: he will not lose his courtesy, but he shall do the worst that he can, as ye may well perceive experience of it every day, for he dommageth us daily, and keepeth his prisoner the best knight that ye had, that is Richard the duke of normandy, the which I ween be dead by this time. nephew said the king Charlemagne, I promise you that reynald hath not put him to death but he keepeth him well at his ease & with great honour, sir said than the duke names. Sith that the words been come to this: I must tell you my mind. Sir if reynald beareth you damage: ye cannot blame him for it. For he hath prayed you so many times humbly that ye would have mercy on him and ye would never hear him, but ye have always showed yourself the most proud king of the world against him, & the most angry, and ye will believe no counsel, and so I tell you if Reinawd hath not made to die Richard of Normandy: he is the kindest man of the world. But I believe better that he is dead than otherwise: for no man here can tell whether he be dead or a live.  
When the king Charlemagne heard the Duke names speak thus: he knew well that he told him troth. So began he to sigh sore, and to these words came forth the bishop Turpin, & Ogyer the dane that said in this manner. Sir wit it verily that names telleth you troth. For reynald hath a good cause to be angry with you. And when Charlemagne heard his barons speak thus: he was all abashed of it. And called the duke Naimes, the bishop Turpyn, Ogier the Dane, & Escouf the son of Oedon, & said to them. Lords I pray you go to Ardeine & tell reynald in my behalf that he will send me Richard of Normandy. And when he hath done so: that he than deliver Mawgys into my hands for to do my will of him. And then he shall have peace with me all the days of my life. Dear sir said the duke names, ye send us for nought. For I wots well the Mawgis is gone from reynald, it is three years passed and more. And if that reynald would deliver him he may not. For he knoweth not himself where he is. names said the king Charlemagne, ye shall at lest hear what reynald shall say unto you, and ye shall also know how Richard of Normandi doth. Sir said the duke names, sith that it pleaseth you that I shall go: I am well content, but I pray our Lord that we may return again whole and sound of our persons, without to be dishonoured. when the barons saw that king Charlemagne would that they should go to arden for to do his messenger they durst not say there against. And so they went thither anon, and each of them bare in his hand a branch of an olive tree in token of peace. And when they came unto the gate: they found it open for them. For reynald had seen them come from far. Wherefore he commanded that the wicket should be open. And when the barons saw the little gate open: they went into the town, and came to the palace. And when reynald wist that they were come within the palace: he went and laid himself down upon a bed with his legs crossed and swore God and his blessed mother that he should not pray the king Charlemagne of nothing. For he had done him to great harm, for through the king charlemain: he had lost his good cousin Mawgis and Mountawban, that he loved so much.  
This hanging: came there the messengers of the king Charlemagne, afore reynald. When the Duke names that was the formest saw reynald: he saluted him honourably. And after he said to him. Sir reynald the king sendeth you word by us, that ye send him again Richard the duke of Normandy. And more over he sendeth you word that if ye will deliver him Mawgys: ye shall have peace with him all the days of his life. And he shall deliver you again all your lands. And he shall keep both your children in his court with him, and he shall make them knights with his own hands.  
My Lords said reynald, ye be right welcome to me as the knights of the world that I ought to love best. But I marvel me greatly of Charlemagne, that sendeth me these words, for every man knoweth well that I have not Mawgys. But by him I have lost him. And would to god that I had here charlemain as well as I have richard of normandy. And if he would not grant me peace with him. I promise you he should leave his head for a pledge. So should I be than avenged of all the great harms & dommages that he hath done to me, sith that I have be made knight of him. lords I wend that Charlemagne had be more courteous than he is. For if I had will that he would have been so fell upon me and my brethren: I should well avenged it upon him. But it is to late to repent me that I did not so, wherefore that ye void out of my palace, and go tell your king that I have not Mawgys, but I have lost him for him, and also if I had him he should not have him. And because I have thus lost my good cousin Mawgys for him: I shall make to morrow Richard the duke of Normandy to be hanged upon the chief gate of this City in the despite of him for no longer respite he shall not have of me, how be it that he is of my lineage, and I tell you, come no more here, nor no man of Charlemagne. For I promise you I shall strike of the heads of as many as shall come fro him to me without any fail.  
When Ogyer the Dane saw Reynawde so angry, & that he answered so proudly: he marveled sore, and drew himself by reynald, and said to him. Fair cousin I pray you that ye will show to us richard of Normandy, to th'end that we may tell Charlemagne that we have seen him. Ogyer I have well understand you said reynald, but ye shall never see him afore that I have hanged him, And if Charlemagne be angry with me for it: let him avenge it if he can, for I defy him and all his pow●r, and go you hens anon. For by my soul if ye abide here any longer, it shall repent you full sore. And when the barons saw that reynald was so fervently wroth, they durst no longer tarry there: but took leave of him and went out of the City, and went lightly to the host of Charlemagne that awaited after them. When the king saw the Barons come: he said unto them. Lords ye be welcome. what tidings bring you? have ye not seen richard of Normandye? Sir said the Duke names. reynald doth you to wit that as log as he may ride upon baiard: ye shall not have Mawgys, for he hath lost him by you. And for the vengeance to be taken of the same: reynald sendeth you word by us that he shall hang to morrow richard of Normandye upon the great gate of his town, and thus shall he do of all your men that he shall take, and yet he saith more, if he had you as well as he hath Richard of Normandy that if ye would not grant him peace: ye should leave with him your head for a pledge. When Rowland heard the word that the Duke names had reported unto his uncle Charlemagne: he said. Sir be not displeased of that I shall tell you, me seemeth that ye shall never see the duke Richard, and all for your pride Sir we find in holy scripture that god curseth the fruit that never is ripe, thus shall it be by you that never will ripe nor condescend to no peace with the four sons of Aymon, the best knights of the world, that so many times have prayed for it humbly and full piteously. Wherefore I swear to you upon all hallows that if the duke richard of Normandy be hanged: ye shall lose honour & worship all your life days. When the king Charlemagne heard his nephew rowland speak thus: that said that richard of Normandy should be hanged: he was so mischievously an angered that he gnewe the nails of his hands, for great wrath, & ye ought to wit that Charlemagne was so angry at that time, that if he had had any manner of staff in his hand: he would have gladly smitten Rowland, but when he saw that he might not accomplish his will: he called his barons and said to them, Lords ye ween to make me a feared with your words, I am no child for to be thus abashed, and also I swear you by my faith that if reynald were so hardy to do any harm unto richard of Normandy: I should hung him with mine own hands, he & all his lineage that none should be left a live.  
Right sore wroth was the king Charlemagne, when he heard tell that reynald would make richard the duke of Normandy to be hanged. But when Ogyer h●●●de Charlemagne swear thus that he should hang all the lineage of reinawde: he could not abstain himself but that the tears fell down fro his eyen, and than he said to the bishop Turpin. Sir what think you by our king that saith by his great pride that he shall hang us all? for all that he doth proceedeth but of envy & pride, but god send me death if I care for his wrath, for if reynald hath not lied to us: he shall do be hanged to morrow Richard of Normandy in such a place where as Charlemagne shall mow see him hang with his eyen. This hanging the Duke names saw that the king was angry, and he said to him. Sir wit that we all be sore abashed that ye threre us of one part & reynald of the other. And I marvel me not of reynald, for he is so wroth rox because that ye have make him lose Mawgys that no man might be more. And I promise you for great anger he shall make richard of normandy to be hanged, and as to you namely he would strike of your head if he had you in the case that he hath richard now, and if he hangeth Richard: What may we do thereto? that ye threaten us so much therefore wherefore I counsel all my fellows that are of the lineage of reynald: that we go our ways and that we let you shift of the war of the four sons of Aimon. By god said that other peers of france Naimes speaketh well, and he giveth us good counsel.  
THen when Charlemagne saw his barons so sore move he wist not what he should do, but gave them leave to withdraw themself unto the morrow that they should return to him, and he himself went to his bed, but all night he could not fall a sleep: but wearied in his bed without any rest, and wist not what to do. And when the day came: he a rose from his bed, and sent for all his barons, & When they were come: he said to them. Lords what shall we do of reynald that will hang the duke Richard of Normandy afore mine eyen? Sir said than the duke Naimes for nought seeketh one counsel that will not put it to effect, why ask ye counsel sith that ye will do nothing but after your own head? but and ye will believe me: I swear you on my faith that all good shall come thereof. Sir make peace with reynald, and ye shall have the Duke richard, and also ye shall have the good love of all your men, for there is none but he is weary of the war, and they have reason. names said the king I will not do it, hold your peace thereof, for that shallbe the last word that ever I shall say. Sir said Rowland by my soul ye do great wrong if ye suffer the good duke Richard to be hanged that so much loved you and done great honour, it shall be to you great shame, and so I swear to you upon all hallows that if I see hang richard of normandy I shall part out of your host fro your service, and I shall go so far that ye shall never have help of me. Rowland said Oliver ween not that I shall abide after that ye are gone, for the king doth great wrong to Reinaud our cousin. Full sore an angered was the king to here these words but he held than his peace and said never a word. And wit it that all the host was moved because they feared sore lest Reinaud should make Richard of normandy to be hanged, for he was well beloved of the folk of Charlemagne, & also he was of a great kindred and a noble lineage.  
THis morning than Reinaud that was within Ardein after that he had heard his mass: he called his three brethren and said to them. My brethren it goeth full ill with us that we can have no peace with Charlemagne, but sith it is thus come: by the faith that I own to the old Aymon our father I shall anger him right sore, for I am sure if he had us in his hands he would utterly destroy us without pity, & therefore I am disposed for to do the worst that I can against him. For now afore his eyen I shall hang the duke Richard of Normandy, for I am well sure that Charlemagne shall wax fire angry for it, when he shall see him. Brother said Alard, I pray you as much as I can that ye will not do as ye say, for I shall hang him myself if ye will. Brother said reynald I will well, now command said Alarde that the gibbet be dressed all high upon the gate, that Charlemagne and all his host may see him. Shortly to speak: Reinaud did do make the gibbet in such a place that Charlemagne might see it as well as he had be by. And wit it that Rowland was the first man that perceived it, and when he saw this: he began to cry as high as he might. Sir, now see how they will hang the duke Richard with great shame alas he hath shrewdly employed his time in your service. And now he is full ill rewarded for it, and also it is shrewd ensample to all that serve you. Alas said Oliver now shall the good duke richard be hanged with great shame, for I see the Gibbet righted up. Hold your peace said than Charlemagne, they do all this but for to make me abashed, and that they might have peace with me, but for all this they shall not have it, & I promise you they dare do him no harm of his body. Thus recomforted Charlemagne himself, weening that reynald had not durst hang the duke Richard. This hanging: rowland (that had the thing at heart) beheld always toward the town, and saw that men righted the ladder to the gibbet, than said he to Oliver. Ha Oliver true fellow and good friend, yonder I see the ladder that is set up all ready for to hang richard of Normandy, full ill he hath bestowed his good service with Charlemagne. Sir Oliver said rowland, ye say well troth, god save richard.  
AFter that the ladder was righted to the gibbet above upon the high gate of arden: Reynawd called ten of his folk, and said to them. Galantes go fet me the Duke richard. For I will that he be hanged incontinent. Sir said they we shall do your commandment. And they went into the chamber where the noble duke of Normandy was, and found him playing at the Chess with Yonnet the son of Reynawd, and than these men took him & said. Sir duke come forth, for Reinaud hath commanded that ye shall be hanged incontinent, when the duke richard of Normandy heard these fellows speak thus to him: he looked upon them over the shoulder, & would not answer to them, but said my fair Yonnet, hast you for to play for it is time that we go to dinner. And when these galantes saw that richard of Normandy answered no word unto them: they began to take him on every side and said to him. Arise up duke richard, for in despite of Charlemagne that loveth you so much▪ ye shallbe hanged now. When the duke Richard saw that these sergeants had him thus by the arm, and held in his hand a lady of ivory where with he would have given a mate to yonnet: he withdrew his arm and gave to one of the sergeants such a stroke with it into the forehead that he made him tumble over and over at his feet, & than he took a rook & smote another with all upon his head that he all to burst it to the brain, & after that he smote another of them with his fist so great a stroke that he broke his neck, and fell dead unto the earth. And when the other saw their fellows thus arrayed: they began to run away, and when richard saw them go: he cried to them. Flee ribalds G●des curse have you, come not here again.  
And when he had said so: he said to Yonnet that was all abashed. Play well my child, for ye shallbe mated, I trow these truants were drunken that thus would have had me away, but I have well given to them their part. And when yonnet heard him say so: he durst not speak against it because he saw himself so sore an angered, but played with his rook that he should not be mated, but he might not save the mate. When the duke Richard had mated Yonnet: he called a yeoman that was there, & said to him. Go take these carls that lain here dead and cast them out at the windows. The yeoman did incontinent his commandment. For he durst do nothing there against, for doubt he should have faced as the other that he had seen slain in his presence.  
ALarde was the same time out of the castle, & awaited that richard were brought to him that he might go hang him, and he saw how the dead were cast down out of the windows of the tour, whereof he was wroth & went to reynald and said to him. Sir I know that the duke Richard will not let himself so be take, and right dear it shall cost or he be brought to the gibbet, see how he hath slain your men, & how he hath cast them out at the Tower, at the windows. Brother said Reinaud, the Duke Richard is to be doubted in his taking, let us go to the help of our folk for else they been in danger of their lives. And thus as they would have gone: they that he had sent for to take richard, came there unto him. And when they saw reynald: they said unto him. By god sir the duke Richard shall not be take without great strife For he hath slain three of our fellows. And when we saw that: we fled away, and left him playing with your son Yonnet. When reynald understood this: he was right ang●i for it, and swore by all hallows that if he had not peace that day with Charlemagne: Richard of normandy should not escape hanging, what somever it should hap thereof. And when he had said these words: he went toward the tower where richard was, and his brethren went with him, for they would not leave him, and also xl men well armed for to take the duke Richard if he would defend himself, when reynald was come to the gate of the tower: he made it to be opened & went in & when he was in: he said to the duke Richard. Vassayll why have you slain my men? Cousin said he, now hear me if it please you. It is troth that ten ribaudes came here right now & laid hand upon me, & they said that ye had thus commanded them, which thing I could not believe. For & ye had said so: it should have be spoken outrageously: so made I them to flee out of this chamber in great haste and slew of them I wot not how many because I might not abstain me, & if it seemeth you that I have done amiss: so take ye amends upon me. But I will well that ye wit that I would not have done to you such a shame as ye have done to me▪ if I had had you as ye have me, reynald if I have done amiss in any manner: I am ready to make amends for it, but ye know it is no reason that no Carl shall judge such a man as I am, for that longeth to a king, to a duke, or to an earl, the custom is such ye wots it well, if the earls have harm be it that have meddled them with it, none ought to blame me therefore. By god Richard said then Reynawde ye shall say what ye will, but trust me if I have not this day peace with Charlemagne: I shall make you to be hanged in such a place where that Charlemagne may see you And when reinawde had said this: he made Richard to be take, & made his hands to be bound fast and after said to him. I tell you on my faith that if I have not this day my peace with Charlemagne: that for no preaching that ye can make nor for no man of the world, I shall not leave but I shall make you die a shameful death. By my soul reynald said Richard, I fear me not, that ye shall do that ye said, for ye dare not do it as long as Charlemagne is a live. When Reynawd heard all the duke speak thus: he was so wroth that he looked all black in the face for anger, and than he said to richard, by that god that made me, ye shall soon know what I dare do & whether I am a coward or hardy, & than he made him to be brought where as the galoes were righted, & than he said to him. Richard I will that of two things ye chose one if ye lust, that is, that ye make me have peace with charlemagne: or else that ye help me against him, & but if ye do this: wit that I shall make you be hanged & strangled, & I shall not leave you for all this that ye be of my lineage, & if ye will take my part against the king Charlemagne: ye shallbe delivered forthwith By god reynald said than Richard, now have I heard you speak like a child, ween ye that I shall do the ye say for fere of death? certes nay, for charlemain is my sovereign lord, and of him I hold mine heritage, and though he doth wrong to leave me here: I ought not to fail him therefore. But & ye will do well, leave me a messenger, the which I shall send to Charlemagne & to his barons for to wit if he be disposed for to let me die here shamefully. By my faith Richard said reinawde ye speak now wisely, & than he called one of his folk & said to him. Go & do that Richard of Normandy shall tell you, my friend said Richard to the messenger, ye shall go to charlemain & tell him on my behalf, that I prai him as to my sovereign lord that if ever he loved me: that he will pardon reynald, & I shall take upon me to make amends for him, if he hath in any thing misdone against him, as the▪ xii peers of France sh●l judge him, & if he will not do for that he will look hitherward, & he shall see me hang shamefully. Of that other part ye shall say to Rowland & to all my fellows that if ever they loved me: that they will show to Charlemagne that it shall be a great shame to him, if he suffereth that I high thus shamefully, sir said the messenger doubt not. I shall do your message well. After these things thus said: the messenger went out of the town to the host of Charlemagne, the which he found full of thought. And when he saw him: he made him reverence, & after said to him. Sir wit it that Richard of Normandye recommendeth him humbly to you, and prayeth you as hertlye as he can as to his sovereign lord that if ever ye loved him: that ye will show it now for he mystreth well of it. For if reynald have not peace this day: turn your sight upon yonder gate after that I am come home again, & ye shall see him hang shamefully, & when the messenger had said this to the king: he looked about him, and saw the xii peers, & said to them, first to Rowland, & after to the other Lords, the duke richard prayeth you Rowland, & all ye in general, that if ye ever loved him: that ye will pray Charlemagne that he will make peace with reynald, or otherwise he is dead without mercy. And when Rowland heard this: he spoke first to the king, & said. Sir for God I pray you, suffer not that ye be blamed, ye know well that how the duke Richard is one of the b●st knights of the world, & he hath best served you at your need. For God sir make peace with Reinaud, for to recover such a knight as is the duke Richard of Normandye, for great shame it were to you for to let him thus die. And when the duke names and the bishop Turpyn, Ogier, Escouf the son of Oedon, and Oliver of vien heard Rowland speak so: they begun to say to the king. By god sit if ye will not make peace with Reynuwde for to recover our fellow the Duke richard: ye shall lose much by it. For within short time ye shall see your land destroyed afore you.  
When Charlemagne saw that his peers were thus moved for love of Richard of Normandy, & that they accorded all for to make peace: he wend to have gone out of his mind, and swore by great wrath as a man mad, that reynald should never have peace with him but if he had mawgis to do his will with him. And when he had said so he turned him toward the xii peers of France, & said to them. My friend take no fere for richard of Normandy. For reynald should sooner let to be drawn one of his eyes out: than he should do him any harm or shame. Sir said the bishop Turpin, ye are beside yourself For ye see all ready that Richard is judged to death. Bishop said charlemagne ye speak well folisshli, know ye not well that Richard of Normandye is of the lineage of Reynawd? I promise you he dare not do him harm by no manner. By god sir said Oliver, ye have well paid us by your saying. Why dare not reynald hang the duke Richard? for I know so much by him that if he had you as he hath richard: He durst well hang yourself & all us. Sir Oliver said the messenger. I swear you on my faith that Reynawd ceased not all this day to pray the duke Richard that he should forsake charlemain and he should save his life, whereof richard of Normandy would do nothing, but spoke great words to reynald. And when that the Messenger had said thus: he said to the king. Sir give me leave to go if it please you, and tell me what I shall say to Richard of Normandye fro you. Friend said Charlemagne ye shall tell him on my behalf, that he put no doubt in nothing. For reynald shall not be so hardy to do him any harm. When the messenger that was a wise knight understood Charlemagne: he could not abstain himself, but he said to him, sir Emperor ye be over proud, but I promise you that reynald setteth little by your pride, and I make you sure that Alarde waiteth well for my coming again. For he would not take a hundred thousand pound for to leave richard but that he should hang him his own hands. And as soon as he had said so: he went his ways without any leave taking of the king straight to arden.  
ANd when the xii peers saw the messenger go with an ill answer: they were full sorry for it. Ha god said Ogyer how the devil the king is fell and hard of heart, that will neither peace nor concord. I am well sure that his pride shallbe cause of a shameful death to Richard. Ogier said rowland, ye say troth but & I see him hang: god never help me at my need if I abide after it with Charlemagne whiles I live, & when he had said so: he went to the other peers & said to them. Lords what shall we do? shall we let thus richard be hanged our fellow one of the best knights of the world and most hardy? for thorough his prows he is there as he is, never no foul word issued out of his mouth alas we shall now see him hang with great shame, certes if we suffer it: we been shamed for ever.  
ROwland as a man desperate came than to the king all wroth and said to him in this manner, Sir by my soul I go now out of your service without your leave, & after he said to Ogier. Ogyer what will ye do, will ye come with me, & leave this devil here, for he is all beside himself? By my head Rowland said Ogyer ye say troth. I shall never in my life abide with him, but I shall go gladly with you where ye will. And I shall not leave you for no man in the world, sith that he suffereth that such a valiant man shall die, as the duke richard of Normandy, that he loved so much. He should soon do so by us, for he is a man that hath in him neither love nor pity. And when Oliver of vyens understood these words: he stood up, and said. Lords I will go with you. I have dwelled here to long, and I also said the duke names. & in likewise Escoufe the son of Oedon. And when the bishop Turpin saw this: he casted a great sigh, and said. By my faith Charlemagne, it is evil to serve you for of good service ye do yield an evil reward, as it is well seen now by the Duke richard of Normandye that hath served you so well and so truly. And if I dwell any longer with you I pray god punish me for it.  
THan when charlemain saw his peers that were so sore moved with anger against him: he said to them. Lords have no doubt of nothing, for the duke richard shall have no harm. Sir said the Duke names ye do great wrong for to say so, for a fool never believeth till he feel sore, ween you to make us fools with your words? We see the gallows made up for to hung our fellow, wherefore I tell you that a mischief take me if I dwell with you any longer. When the duke names had said so: he went out of the ●●●●lion of Charlemagne and in likewise all the Peers of France with him and went into his tent the which he made to be pulled down incontinent. And when they of the host of Charlemagne saw that: they were sore afraid. And ye ought to wit that they were so sore moved within a little while that there abode in the host of Charlemagne not one baron nor knight but only the poor simple gentlemen, and coming people. when rowland saw this: he went on his ways with the other peers. And wit it at that hour the host of Charlemagne was made less than it was afore by xl thousand men.  
reynald that was upon the high gate of arden saw so great numbered of folk coming together: so called he to him the messenger that was but comen fro Charlemagne, and said to him in this manner. Come here messenger, tell me what Charlemagne hath said unto you. Sir said the messenger, wit it that ye have miss of peace, for charlemagne will nothing of it, but he sendeth you word by me that ye be not so hardy upon the eyen of your head to do any harm to the Duke richard of Normandy. And when he had said this: he turned him toward the duke richard, and said to him. Sir duke now may ye know how much Charlemagne loveth you.  
Wit it for certain that ye get neither help nor succours of him, and for the love of you rowland, and all the other peers of France been full sore an angered with him, For ye may perceive it well by their tents that been pulled down. And so I am sure that the most part of the host shall departed for the love of you. And so shall not abide there but only the earl guanellon & his lineage. For their tents been righted & all the other brought down. When reynald wist that the frenchmen were angry with Charlemagne for the love of the duke richard of Normandy: he changed his courage and could not keep him from weeping. And after he turned him toward richard of Normandy and said to him, for god my cousin I pray you for to pardon me the great shame that I have done to you. reynald said richard I blame you not, for I wots well that ye cannot do thereto. For the great pride and cruelness of Charlemagne is causer of all this. When reynald had cried mercy to the duke Richard he unbound him, and Alarde and Guycharde came to help him for they were all glad that Richard was delivered. notwithstanding afore that they were disposed for to make him die shamefully. And when they had done so: reynald said, cousin richard lean upon this wall, and we shall look what Charlemagne will do. Sir said the duke richard ye say well let us see it.  
ANd when charlemain saw that his barons went away as it is said: he was sori for it that he waxed almost mad all quick for the great anger that he had, and held a demylaunce in his hands, the which he began to gnaw with his teeth so angry he was, and when his wrath was a little gone: he called a knight and said to him. Now light on horseback lightly, and ride after Rowland and after the other barons and tell them in my behalf that they come speak with me, and I shallbe demeaned as they will themself, and that I shall pardon reynald if they will come again to me. Sir said the knight blessed be God that hath brought you to this mind. And than this knight took an horse and road hastily after the xii. peers of France. And when reynald that was with the duke richard of Normandye upon the gate of arden apperceived this: he said to the duke Richard of Normandy, cousin I see roam a knight out of the pavilion of the king Charlemagne. I believe that he goeth unto the twelve Peers of France for to make them to return again. I ween we shall have this day peace and god before. Sir said richard ye shall have peace maugre them all that letteth it. I ought for to love deerli my fellows, the which be cause to keep me from death, & also to have peace. Wit it that the knight road so fast that he over took rowland, & all the other peers of France, and said unto them in this manner of wise Lords, the king Charlemagne sendeth you word by me that ye will return again to him, and he shall pardon Reinawd for the love of you & for gods love come lightly. For he never left weeping sith that ye went your way from him. names said Rowland, let us return again. For I hold the peace made whereof this sorrowful war shall fail that hath lasted so long a while. When the Duke names heard Rowland speak so: he was right glad of it, and joined his hands toward heaven, and said in this manner wise. Good lord jesus blessed be the time that it hath pleased the to turn the courage of the king Charlemagne, and that this unhappy war is brought to an end. And when the Duke names had said this: they returned again toward Charlemagne.  
ANd when reynald apperceived that the twelve years went again to Charlemagne: he said to the Duke richard of Normandy. Cousin the Barons return again. I believe that the peace shall be made, and that we shall mow well go soon at our liberty, now shall reynald may say that I and my brethren been at his commandment, and shall be as long as we been men on live. Well glad were the Barons of the one part, & of tother, because that God had suffered that the peace should be made. And when Charlemagne saw his barons come again: he went against them & said. By God my lords ye are well full of great pride that ye make me to be come peaceable with reynald against my will, ye know that I have hated him so much that I may not see him, but I shallbe angry because of his pride that is so great. Wherefore if ye will that I make peace with him: I will that he go into the holy land poorly clothed on foot. And so I will have his horse baiard. And I shall also return again to his brethren all their livelihood out of my hands. Therefore if thus he will do: I shall fall to peace, and accord with him, & else not, For I make mine a vow to God that I shall never do other wise therein than I tell you now. And therefore look well which of you shall do this message. Sir said the duke names I shall go to reynald with a good will, if it be your pleasure that I go to him. names said charlemain It pleaseth me well. And than incontinent the duke Naimes road to arden. And when reynald saw him come: he knew him well, and went him against, and so did the duke Richard, and the brethren of reynald when the duke names saw the Noble Barons come against him: he lighted from the horse anon & went and kissed them all, and after he had done so: he said. reynald. Charlemagne sendeth me to you with his greeting. God yield him said reynald. Now have I that I have desired so long. names shall I have peace? yea said the Duke names under a condition, the which I shall tell you. It is that ye must go poorly clothed, and begging your bread for gods sake in the holy land, and so shall ye leave bayard with charlemain, and this done: ye shall have peace. And he shall give again your heritage to your brethren. Duke names said reynald ye be right welcome. And I promise you that I am ready to do the commandment of the king. And if he will have of me any thing more by any wise: I shall in every point fulfil his will if it be possible, for me to do it. Now shall I be a good truaunt, for I can well ●ske bread when me needeth. When the duke names heard reynald sp●ake thus: he was well glad of it, and so was the duke richard, that they saw the noble Reinaud agreed to the will of Charlemagne, so much as for to be come a poor beggar for to have peace. And after that reynald was thus accorded thereto: he went into his stable and took baiard, & delivered him to the duke Naimes, & than he took his ●auer, & bore it on high upon the high tower in token of peace. And when Charlemagne saw the banner of reynald: he showed it to Rowland. Ha god said rowland how meek is reynald, & good of kind to have made peace in this manner of wise? Blessed be Jesus' that ●ath given him that will for to go now a foot, whereof I plain him sore. Rowland said Ogier. reynald is a lamb full of meekness, and in him are all the good conditions that a knight ought to have. This hanging: came there the duke names that brought baiard with him and pre●●●ed him to Charlemagne, & said to ●●n. Sir▪ reynald is ready for to 〈◊〉 all that ye have commanded hi●, and he shall depart to more will ye will sith your pleasure is so. I will well said Charlemagne, but tell me where is the Duke richard? for I will know it. Sir said the duke names.  
wit that the Duke richard fareth well, and is abiden with reynald for he will convey him when he goeth. And wit that reynald this hanging: made great cheer with his folk at his ease, and after said to them. Lords I beseech you be not sorry that I go, for I have made this peace more for you than for me. I pray you that ye hold well together till I come again, and when he had laid this to them: he went into his chamber and unclothed himself from his good raiments, and cast upon him a poor mantel, & a pair of big shone well clouted. & made for to be brought to him a palster well yrenned for to bear in his hand. And ye must wit that the duke Richard was still with him, to whom reynald commended his wife and his children, and all his brethren. And that he would pray the king that he should have them for recommended. And when he had arrayed himself so: he came toward the hall to the duchess his wife.  
ANd when the noble duchess Clare saw her husband so arrayed in his beggars clothing: she took such sorrow for it that she fell down in a swoon to the earth as she had be dead. And when reynald saw her fall: he ran for to take her up and after said to her. Lady for God take it not so sore at your heart. For I shall soon come again, and god before. And with you shall my brethren abide that shall serve you as their lady. And so I tell you that I am so glad of the peace that me seemeth that I am come again all ready. Madam my dear wife. I pray god keep you from all evils. And with this he kissed her full sweetly. And than he took on his way, and when the duchess saw him go: she took for it so great sorrow that she swooned again, and abode thus a long while that all her gentle women went she had been dead. And after she was come again to herself: she ma● great moan for her lord reynald For she scratched her face, & pulled her heres from her head for great sorrow, & when she had made so much sorrow: she said. O good husband Reinaud whose like is not in all the world of goodness, god be with you. For I wots well that I shall never see you. And when she had said these words. she went into her chamber & took all her noble raiments & ●ast them in a fire, and when they were all brent: she took a poor smock, and cast it about her, & said she should never were none other clothes till she saw her lord husband again.  
AFter that reynald had taken leave of his wife: he departed, the duke Richard, his brethren and his folk conveyed him a great way, always speaking that it was pity to hear. And when reynald thought that they had gone far enough with him: he turned him toward them & said. Lords I pray you humbly that ye return home again, for as long as ye be with me: I am not at my ease, go your way in the name of God and recomfort my wife the duchess that weary so sore, & to you my brethren I commend her & my children also. Wit it when reynald had said this there was none that could take leave of him so full of sorrow they were, except Alarde that said to him. Mi dear brother I pray you heartily that ye come shortly again, for your departing is so heavy to me that I trow I shall die for sorrow. And when Alarde had said so: he embraced his brother & took leave of him making great sorrow, & so did Richard of Normandye to whom reynald said, my cousin I commend you once my wife again and my children & all my brethren for they be of your blood well ye know it. Reinaud said the duke Richard. I promise & swear as knight that I shall help & defend them against all men except against the king, & doubt not for them, for they shall want nothing. ¶ Now leaveth the history to speak of reynald that went to the holy land arrayed as ye have heard: and returneth to speak of his brethren how they came to Charlemagne, with the duke Richard of Normandy.   

¶ How after that reynald was departed fro arden to make his voyage beyond the sea, clothed poorly as a pilgrim ask his meat for god sake: the duke of Normandi took alarde, guichard & Richard, & brought them with him to Charlemagne, which received them honourably, & took up his siege, & went to paris. But when he came to the city of league upon the river of meuze: he made bayard to be cast in it, with a millstone at the neck of him. But men say the bayard scaped out, and that he is a live yet in the forest of arden.   depiction of a king or Charlemagne with crown, sceptre and fleur-de-lis with a group of men on a bridge; a headless figure leans over the bridge wall; in the river below is a horse or Bayard with a mill-stone tied to its neck; in the background a castle 
IN this party showeth the history that when reynald had put himself to the way as ye have heard: Richard of Normandy and his brethren came again to Ardein full sorry for reynald, where as they found the good duchess Clare, that made great sorrow for her lords departing. And when they were come again there: the duke Richard took the duchess by the hand, and began to recomfort her, & so many fair words he laid unto her that she slaked a little her sorrow, and after this the duke Richard said to the brethren of reynald, in this manner. Lords go make you ready, and we shall go unto charlemain. Sir said the three brethren, let us when it please you. And then they went & took on the best clothing that they had. And I promise you they were three fair knights, and after they were well appareled, they mounted each of them upon a palfrey of high price right fair without any arms. And for to speak shortly: they issued out of arden and came to the pavilion of Charlemagne. And when the king saw them, he was right glad So he commanded all his barons that they should go again them. Ha god said Rowland, now comen the three brethren well sorry, certain they have a cause, for they have lost their help succour and hope. Now I see that the duke Richard cometh with them, whereof he doth well, for he is their kinsman.  
NOw ye ought to wit that the three brethren of reynald came to the pavilion of Charlemagne well honestly arrayed. And when they were afore the king: they kneeled humbly at his feet, and Alarde spoke first & said. Sir reynald our brother recommendeth him humbly to your good grace, & salueth you as his sovereign lord, & he sendeth you richard the duke of Normandy, which ye see here, and so he prayeth you that ye will have us for recommended, for he hath taken his way toward the holy land for to accomplish your commandment. Friend said Charlemagne ye be right welcome. Sith that it please our lord that we shall be friends. I shall do for you, and shall bring you all to honour, as it appertaineth to such knights as ye been. And if god will bring Reynawd safe again from his voyage: I shall hold him as dear as I do mine own nephew Rowland, for he is replenished with great worthiness. Sir said Richard god bring him again, when the king had thus spoken with the brethren of reynald: he came to the duke richard of Normandy & kissed him more than ten times, and when he had feasted him enough: he said to him, duke Richard I pray you that ye will tell me what prison gave you reynald & what meats for to eat. Sir said the duke of Normandy by the faith that I own to god and to you I had better prison, and was more at mine ease than ever knight was, for I was served of the same the reynald was, and sometime etter, and so I promise you sir that the gentle duchess his wife made me great cheer, and good company with her two fair children. Sir I beseech you if that ever ye loved me: that ye will worship Alarde & his brethren if it please you, for they have done to me great honour, and they have given me great gifts. And if it please you ye shall have the good duchess and her children for recommended, for she is the humblest lady of the world, and the most wisest. richard said Charlemagne, wit it that I shall not fail them as long as life shallbe in my body. And when the children of reynald shall be in age for to be made knights: I shall doube them to it mine own hands with great worship, and god spare me life, and so shall I give them lands enough for to maintain their estate. Gramercy sir said the duke richard of Normandye, & god yield you.  
When they had devised all enough of the things afore said: the king Charlemagne commanded that he should be dislodged, and anon his commandment was done, and than every man put himself toward the way toward his country. And when that the king saw that it was time: he mounted on horseback, and took on his way toward the city of league. And when he was come in league▪ he lodged him up on the bride of the river of meuze.  
And when the morning was come, he made be brought afore him the good horse of reynald baiard. And when he saw him: he began for to lay in ●his wise. Ha baiard, bayard, thou hast often angered me, but I am come to the point, god gramercy for to avenge me, and I promise thee thou shalt now abye it full dear the torment and felony that I have often times had by thee. And when the king had said so: he made a great millstone to be fastened at the neck of bayard, and than made him to be cast from the bridge down into the water, & when baiard was thus tumbled in the river: he sank unto the bottom of it. And when the king saw that: he made great joy and so said. Ha bayard now have I that I desired and wished so long For ye be now dead, but if ye drink out all the water. And when the french men saw the great cruelness of Charlemagne that avenged himself upon a poor beast: they were ill content. And than spoke the bishop turpyn, and said Ogyer of Denmark, what think you by Charlemagne? he hath well showed at this a great part of his great felony, sir said Ogier ye say troth, he hath done to great folly for to make die such a good beast as this horse was. Sir said Oliver to rowland. Charlemagne is now waxed all foolish, ye say full troth said rowland. I perceive it full well and for to say the troth: there was none of the xii peers but he wept for love of the good horse baiard. But who somever was sorry for it. Charlemagne was glad of it.  
NOw ye ought to know that after that bayard was cast in the river of meuze: he went unto the bottom as ye have herd, & might not come up for because of the great stone that was at his neck which was horrible heavy, and when bayard saw he might none otherwise scape: he smote so long and so hard with his feet upon the mill stone: that he braced it, and came again above the water and began to swim; so that he passed it all over at the other side, and when he was come to land: he shaked himself for to make fall the water fro him and began to cry high, and made a marvelous noise, and after began to run so swiftly as the tempest had borne him away, and entered in to the great forest of arden. And when the king Charlemagne saw that bayard w●s escaped: he took so great sorrow for it that almost he lost his wit for anger. But all the barons were glad of it. Thus as ye have heard: escaped bayard out of the hands of Charlemagne, and wit it for very certain that the folk of the country saien, that he is yet a live within the wood of arden. But wit it when he seeth man or woman: he runneth anon away, so that no body may come near him. And after all these things: the king Charlemagne as angry as he was departed fro  and went in to a chapel that was nigh, and called to him all his barons and gave them leave to go into their countries, whereof they were right glad, for they wer● sore desiring for to see their wives their children and their ●●ndes.   

¶ How reynald found Mawgis his cousin as he went by the way for to accomplish his voyage to the holy sepulchre in the country of Constantynople. And how they went together to Iherusalem, which the admiral of persie had taken by treason upon the Christian, but reynald and his cousin Mawgis did so much with the folk of the country: that the city of Iherus●lem was gotten again by the christian people.  
Now telleth the history that after that reynald was departed from arden for to go in to the holy land: he went so much by the journeys that he came to constantinople, and lodged him in an holy womans house, which served him as well as she could, and gave him such meat as go● had given to her, and after she washed his feet as she was wont to do to other pilgrims. And when this good woman had done so much: she took reynald by the hand, and brought him in to her own chamber, and said to him, Good man ye shall lie here, for in my other chamber ye may not be, for there is a poor pilgrim that is sore sick. Dame said Reinaud let me see that pilgrim that ye speak of which is so sick, with a good will said the poor wom●n ye shall see him, for I promise you there is great pity in him. And than she took reynald by the hand, and brought him to the pilgrim that was in his bed. And when Reynawd saw him: he knew well that it was his cousin Mawgis whereof he was right glad, so began he to speak to him and said. Friend how is it with your person. And when Mawgis heard Reynawd speak to him: he leapt out of his bed as he never had be sycks and embraced reynald more than twenty times and after said to him. Cousin how is it with you? and what adventure bringeth you here in this poor clothing that ye have on? tell me if it please you, have ye peace with the king Charlemagne Cousin said Reynawd, yea by such a manner as I shall tell you. And then he rehearsed him all the manner as ye have heard above, and all the treaty that he had had with Charlemagne.  
When Mawgis understood the words of Reinaud: he was right glad of it. And than he embraced again reynald and said to him I am now whole for the good tidings that ye have brought to me. And therefore I am disposed to go with you, and doubt not we shall not die for hunger, for I am master for to beg bread. And when the good woman saw that these two pilgrims made so great feast the one to the other: she thought it might none otherwise be but they were of great lineage, and that they had had some great a do together, and she said to them. Fair lords I see that ye know well each other, wherefore I pray you tell me what ye be, and from whence ye come? Good woman said Mawgis sith that ye will know of our being: I shall tell you a part of it. Wit it than that we been two poor gentlemen that are banished out of france. So must we go in such habit as ye see in to the holy land, and we been cousins germane and we shall do our voyage together if it please god. And when the lady that good woman understood these words: she had great joy.  
Thenne made she to bring them meat enough and wine. Mawgis that sith so long had drunken no wine: drank some wine that night for the love of reynald. Shortly to speak: none might say nor think how great feast made the two cousins to each other. And when the day was come: Reinaud and Mawgis arose and took leave of the holy lady, and put themseless to the way. And wit that so much went the two pilgrims by their journeys that they came nigh the city of Jerusalem, and were but a little mile from it, so that they might see well the temple and the tower of David, and the most part of jerusalem. And when mawgis and Reinaud saw that: they were right glad of it, and yielded graces unto god that he had suffered them to come so nigh the holy city. When they had done thus their prayers: they went on their way for to have gone within jerusalem. But they were gone but a lytil●: when they saw a great host about the city even a fore the torwe of David where were many yavillions of the christian that were there for to fight with the admiral of Percy that by force held the city of Iherusalem, Reinawd did tarry when he saw the host that was afore the city: and said to his cousin Mawgis. Cousin what folk is yonder as ye think, for it seemeth a great host afore Iherusalem, are they Sarasyns or christian, what say you? surely said Mawgys I can not tell, and I am sore marveled what it may be. Thus as Reinaud and Mawgys spoke together: there came an old man riding that way that came from the host. And when reynald saw him: he went him against and said to him. God save you good man, tell me and it please you, what be they afore the holy city, are they christian or Saracens? pilgrim said the old man they been christian that have besieged Iherusalem, and can not take it, but ye may well go without peril. Now tell me said Reinaud who is within Iherusalem? wit it said the old man, that the admiral of Percy hath taken it by treason. And how hath he taken it by treason said Reinawd? wit said the old man that the admiral arrayed him as a pilgrim and many of his folk with him, & went into the city one after another and when they were all within: they blewe an horn right high, and set hand to their swords, and fought strongly, so that they were masters of the city or ever the king Thomas could be armed nor his folk, the which could not save themself with such few folk as was left him alive, but he was taken prisoner, and anon all the country rose up, and have besieged the city as ye see, and I trust with the grace of God: that the city shall be take shortly. Now tell me said Reynawd if they of the city come out often upon the christian. yea said the old man, for they been much folk within, and the thing that most grieveth us: is that our folk have no head nor no Lord. And ye wo● well that folk that have no head nor no Lord: can do but little good. And when Reinaud heard this word: he began to smile, and after be said. Far well good man, we will go there for to see what shall hap of it. And when he had said so: he took on his way with his cousin Mawgys, and ceased not till they were comine within the host. And when they were come there: every man looked upon Reynawd that was so fair a pilgrim and so call a man. And Reinawd looked here and there, and witted not where to put himself, than he advised him and said to Mawgis. My cousin we must see that we have a litelle reed or some other thing, for to make us a lodges there at one corner of the wall, and when Reinawd had said so: Mawgis ceased not till he had made a little lodge. This hanging that they made their lodge, the admiral of Percy issued out of Iherusalem with well three thousand fighting men, and entered into the christian host toward saint Steven'S church.  
ANd when the good earl of Raines, and Walleraven of fayete and Geffray of Nasareth sawa that: they came anon to their harness. And I tell you that there jaffas of Rames was soon armed sooner than the other and incontinent he ran upon the turks and began to cry jaffa as high as he could, and smote upon the Persians, and damaged them sore, for he was a valiant man in arms. And when all they of the host were armed: than began there a battle of the one part, and of the other right cruel. Than came there geffraye of Nasareth, which entered among the thickest of the Saracens and began fast to smite them dead to the earth. Shortly to speak: this battle was right great and mortal for there were many spears broken, and many shields cloven, and of the one part and also of the other were many men overthrown to the ground. And ye ought to wit that Walleraven of fay●e smote the●e dead many a painym, so that it was wonder to see his fairs of arms for no persayn durst abide afore him. And when the admiral saw this: he said to himself, that he should never set nothing by himself, but he should avenge upon Geffraye that so tormented his folk. And anon he took a spear in his hand, and went against Geffray. And when Geffraye saw that: he ran asperly upon him and they gave each other such strokes in their shields that both their spears flew in many pieces, and with this course was the admyralle overthrown from his horse to the earth, but Geffray of Nasareth abode in the arsons of his saddle. And when the admiral saw him on the ground: he was angry for it, so rose he up lightly and set hand to his sword and made great semblant for to defend himself. And when Geffraye of Nasareth saw this: he turned him toward the admiral and smote him so great a stroke with his sword upon his helm that he astonied him. And when Geffray saw that he made no defence: he bowed his body toward him, and took the admiral by the helm and would have brought him away. And when the admiral saw that he was take: he cried Percy as loud as he might, so that his folk heard him and ran there as he was, and delivered him from the hands of Geffraye and set him upon a horse and brought him with them, when than Reinawd saw that the battle was so cruel: he said to Mawgis. Alas cousin if I had my harness I should go gladly secure our folk, for it is that thing that I have most desired as that I might bear arms against the Saracens, than said Mawgis to him, ye are not wise to say so, ye woe how we been traveled of our pilgrimage, and that it is time that we rest us a little and also the war shall not be ended so soon, but that ye may prove yourself in arms afore the holy city of Iherusalem be won, wherefore I pray you rest yourself this night, and to morrow and god before we shall be fight our enemies, for I have delivered that I shall be no hermit as long as we been together, but I shall help you with all my power, but one thing I tell you that never while I live I shall cast no charm more, for I have promised it God and all the saints to whom I pray to keep me therefro, but I tell you that I love you so heartily that if I should be dampened, yet should I come out of my hermitage for to succour you if ye had need. My cousin said Reinaud I thank you for your good will and I know well ye say troth that we have mystre of rest, but I can not keep myself, but I must go to battle. Alas that I have not baiard and slamberge my good sword, for I should do this day that god should con me thank of it.  
Right sorry was Reynawd that he had neither horse nor harness for to help the christian folk.  
THis hanging that Reynawd and Mawgis spoke together: the erie of Rames, Geffraye of Nasareth and walleraven made great slaughter of the turks and of the percians. And when the admiral saw this: he with drew his folk again in to the city of Iherusalem. For he might no longer suffer the great harm and hurt that the christian made him. And when the christian saw that the Saracens were discom●t●ed they chased them sharply, and stew so many of them that none can tell the numbered. And than the earl I●ffas that was a worthy knight and a wise, he went to the gate of saint steven, and kept him there with his folk. And when the Turks came for to save theimself within Iherusalem: the earl jaffas went against them and kept the passage that they might not entre at their ease within the city, and there again were many of them slain. And the admiral saw that he was an angered for it, and took an other way to the city toward the gate fore, and it happened than that the turks passed afore the lodge of reynald and by the great prece and stamping of their horses the lodge of Reynawd was broken and marred, whereof reynald was angry. Than reynald looked about him, and found nothing for to fight withal but a fork that sustained up their lodge, that was great & strong. And he took it anon with both his hands and mounted upon a wall that was by the way● And as the turks passed there by: he laid upon them with a great staff and smote them down, two and two at once as swines, and to say the truth: Reinaud being thus upon the broken wall slew more than a hundred of them as they passed by him. And when Mawgys saw that Reinawd did so well, he rook his palstet and came upon the wall by him, and began to smite with both his hands so great strokes, that they that he taught fell dead to the ground. While that Reinawd and Mawgis did these feats of arms: came there the earl of Rames and Geffray of Nasareth that followed after the Saracens with all diligence. Which saw the great quantity of dead Sarasyns, that reynald and Mawgys had slain upon the way by their prows in so much that all most men could ride no more that way, for the great heap of ●urkes that lay dead there, whereof the Sarasyns were sore abashed.  
Than the earl of Rames showed to Geffray of Nasareth the great slaughter that the two pilgrims had done and marveled of him that held the fork that he was so great and so valiant a man, and in likewise that other that held the palster that was not so great. See said he how the way is covered about them with this cursed folk, I believe that they be fellows. Ha God's said Geffray I meruayill what folk they are, I believe that god hath sent them to us for our saving, or else they been over hardy fools seeing that they been all naked, and fear not the death. Sir said the earl of Rames, what so ever they been: they do like worthy men. God all mighty keep them from hurt, danger and from evil cumbrance. For they have well grieved our enemies and I shall never be at mine ease till that I have spoken with them, for to wit what folk they be and fro whence they come.  
GReat was the chase that the earl of rames, Geffray of Nasareth and Walleraven made after the Turks and persians. For right great slaughter they made of them or they were withdrawn within Iherusalem. For they left not the chase till they were within the gate fore. When reynald saw that all the Saracens were passed he cast after them his great staff for he could do no more to them. And after he be thought him and descended fro the wall, and said he would not lose his fork and fet it again, for it should serve for to make his lodge as it did before. This hanging: the earl of Rames came from the chasing again, and sought the two pilgrims for to speak with them, and he found them where they were making of their lodge. Than he beheld them well and said nothing. And when he saw that they were so great and so well shapen principally Reynawde, for he wanted nothing, he lighted from his horse and took them by the hand, and made them to sit beside him. When they were set: the earl said to reynald. My friend, I pray you tell me truth of that I shall afke you. By the faith that ye own to the temple where ye purpose to go. Tell me your names and what ye be, and of whence ye come, and why you go so poorly arrayed. Sir said Reynawd sith that it please you to wit of our being, and of our name: I shall tell it you with a good will. Now wit it that I am called Reynawd of Mountawban, but Charlemagne hath casted me therefrom wrongfully, the Duke Aimon is my father, and I am now come in to the holy land for to serve our lord against his enemies. For thus hath commanded me to do Charlemagne my sovereign lord, when I made peace with him. And that worse is: I must needs come thus poorly arrayed as ye see begging my breed where so ever I go or come, where against I would never go for to have peace. When the earl of rames understood Reynawd: he was glad of him, and heaved up his hands toward heaven and thanked God and after said. O noble knight Reinaud of Mountawban the best knight of the world, take here my homage. For I give myself unto you and all my goods. And when reynald saw this: he said to the earl of Rames. Stand up for ye proffer me outrage. By god said the earl I shall never arise till ye have granted me a thing. Sir said reynald, I grant it you with a good will, and with good heart. gramercy said the earl, and than he stood up and said to reynald. Is it truth that ye have peace with the great king Charlemagne? Alas where been your brethren the worthy knights and Mawgys your cousin, in whom ye have so great trust, & your good horse bayard: Sir said Reynawd wit that I had peace with the king Charlemagne of the war that so long hath lasted by such manner as I shall tell you, that it is that I must come here in such clothing as ye see upon me, and here is Mawgis my cousin that is comen here with his free will, for he is not constrained thereto, for the king charlemain weeneth he be dead long a go and my brethren been abiden with my wife and my children. For the king hath returned all our livelihood unto them again. And when the earl understood the truth of all, he was right glad of it, so that he began to cry with a high voice. Ha duke reynald of Mountawban, how greatly be you welcome here to us, as the most valiant knight of the world blessed be the good lord that hath conduit you hither. And I pray you for god: that ye receive mine homage so shall ye save the worship of the king thomas that is now prisoner there within the city, for and ye be our captain and our head: I put no doubt but we shall well soon take Iherusalem. And thus shall the king Thomas be belyvered out of the hands of the false sarasyns.  
THere came all the barons of Surrye that were full glad of the coming of Reynawd of mountawban, to whom they made great reverence, and feasted him right highly. And shortly to speak: they all prayed him to be their lord and head captain, and that he would guide them as the earl of Rames had done afore. And when reynald saw that all the barons of Surrye desired and prayed him so sore for to receive their homages: he said unto them. Lords sith that it pleaseth you for to do me this great honour: I take it, safe alway the right of king Thomas which is your sovereign lord. Sir said the barons we will have it thus. And then he received their homagiss, and when he had received them: the earl of Rames kneeled before him and said Sir I will that ye give me now that thing that ye have granted me. Sir said reynald say what it is and ye shall have it. Sir said the earl of Rames it is that ye will vouchesaufe to be lodged in my pavillion and th●t ye spend none other good but mine. And if ye will give any thing: I shall deliver it to you, and I shall give you six of my knights for to serve you, Good earl of Rames gramercy of the worship that ye do to me▪ than the earl took Reynawd by the hand and brought so him in to his pavillion, and made him to be served as his sovereign lord, and when all the barons had conveyed reynald to the pavillion of the earl of Rames: they took leave of him and went again in to their pavilions and thanked God that he had sent them such a knight and so vallyaunte a man to be their captain, and their Lord. And than when the earl of Rames saw that all the barons were gone to their pavilions: he made to be brought there many good horses and fair paifrays, and rich raiments of divers colours furred with rich furs and all manner of good harness for the war, cuirasses and rich helms, and noble swords, and great plenty of plate both of fine gold and of silver and all this he presented to reynald. But he would take nothing but only a complete harness for his body, and a sword that he chose there among all, and an horse. And all the remnant: he made to be dealt to the poor knights that had mystre and need of it. And when the earl of Rames saw that reynald had taken but one horse, one harness and one sword: he said unto him. Sir for God take on you another raiment, for ye wots well it appertaineth not to such a man as ye be for to go clothed as ye do. Sir said Reynawd pardon me and it please you, for I shall never were none other raiment but this that I have now on, till that I have kissed the holy sepulchre wherein God was put after that he was brought down fro the cross. Sir said then the earl, do as ye will, and than he went to Mawgys and said to him. I pray you put away this capye and this hood and take other raimentes, sir said Mawgis than I pray you be not disposed, if I full fill not your desire at this time, for I tell you that I have promised that I sh●ll were no other cloth as long as I live but such as the same is. Thenne when the earl saw that reynald nor Mawgys would not take none other raiments for no thing that he could say unto them: he was sorry for it. And than he made the tables ready for to go to supper. And when they had supped the earl of rames called Walleraven of fair and Geffray of Nazareth and said to them. Now think for to do well sith that god hath sent to us such succour. And when the barons heard the earl speak thus: they answered we shall do our best by the grace of God. And than every man went to his pavilion, and made great plenty of torches to be fired so that it was marvels of the light that was in the host, and every man began to dance and disport themself about their tents and pavilions a long while for joy of the coming of Reinaud. And when turks that kept the tower of david saw the great light that was in the host of the christian: they were all marveled of it. Than some of them went and showed it to their master and lord. And when the admyralle heard the tidings: he began to cry high and said. O Machomet what ●illeth now that unhappy folk that make so great feast. I believe that they been as the swan is when she shall die, for I am sure they shall one of these days be all slain, and therefore they make so great joy. And when barbas the admiral had said this, he swore by machomet afore all his barons that he should make an issue on the morrow for to hew all the christian in pieces. Sir said an old paynim Beware your flesh well of a great kerle thae is there new come among them, the which beareth a great fork in his hand, for if he hit you: ye are but dead. I am well sure that all they of thost make this Joy for that lurden. I know him not said th'admiral to the paynim, but and: I can high him with my branke of steel I shall make him leave his great head behind him for a pledge till he cometh again, for he is naked, and therefore he may not endure against me.  
When the king Thomas that was there prisoner saw the great feast & joy that the christian made: Wist not what he should think, but say't to himself. Ha gods what have now my folk● that they make such a noise & such a sport, alas do they not remember me? I believe better ye then nay, for the feast that they make now is for somewhat. Wit it that they of rames, and of jaffes and of all the country about Iherusalem when they saw the great light: they wend that the city had be set a fire, and some were sore afeard lest thost had a do. Thus was all the country abashed, but they that were in thost cared but little for it. And when they had sported themself enough: they ordained the watch and after went to rest. And when the day was come: the barons rose and went to the pavillyon of Reinaud, which was up and ready, and they salved him reverently, and after said unto him thus, sir what think ye that we must do? shall we assail the city or no? Lords said the duke Reinaud, me seemeth that it were good for to give to it a assault. For we have great advantage afore hand, for he that shall dyein the sawtinge of the holy city: he shall be saved without doubt. whiles that the barons devised thus together for to give a assault to the city: the admiral of Percy made to open the gate a force, and issued out of the town with ten thousand fighting men well armed. And when Reinaud and the barons of surry knew it: they ran to their harness. Reinawd was armed incontinent, & took his helm and his sword, and lighted upon his horse that the earl of Rames had given him. And when reinawde was on horseback: Mawgis armed him also, and mounted on horseback, and began to cry. Barons of Surrye, be not dismayed in no wise, for I promise god I shall never return to be hermit: if the turks be not discomfited and overthrown. And after he had said so: he went to Geffraye of Nasareth and said to him. Baron keep you by reynald, for if all the other knights in the fellowship were such as ye be: Barbas should be discomfited or noon, and when all the barons were well armed and well on horseback: they ordained their battles as well as they could. And than came the admiral barbas that smote in to thost of the christian. The first barrailie of the Saracens was conducted by a king that had to name Margarys that was lord of the tower of Tails, which was right cruel, and dare in his arms a dragon pictured with an horrible figure.  
When the king Margaris saw it was time to smite upon the christian: he spurred his horse with his spurs & ran against Reinawd. And when Reinaud saw him come: he said to th'earl of rames, Hear cometh one to seek his death with great haste, ye have done me great honour, but this king shall have dishonour for your love at the first. And when Reinawd had said this: he spurred his horse and ran against Margarys so hard that neither shield nor quyras could not save him, but he showed his spear through the breast and overthrew sterke dead to the ground. And when Reinaud had given that great stroke: he said. Go thy way to hell the devil speed thee and bear fellowship to thy predecessors that went there afore thee. And after he put hand to the sword and smote another sarasin so hard through the helm that he clove him to the teeth, and forth withal he taught another under the bavere so that he made his head to flee from the shoulders, and when he had slain these three: he cried Mountawban upon these paynims. And when Mawgis heard him: he put himself among the Turks so couragyously, that the first that he recountered he sent him down in to hell, and than took his sword in his hand and did marvels of arms so that he slew so many turks that reinawde and the barons marveled greatly. Than said Reinaud to the earl of Rames. What say you by my cousin Mawgis, saw you ever so good an hermit? By my soul said th'earl he is to be commended, blessed be the womb that bore him, and thoure the ye been come in to this land, for now I am well sure that Iherusalem shall be recovered, & the king Thomas delivered out of prison with the grace of God. When th'earl of Rames had said this to reynald: he spurred his horse with the spurs and smote a turk such a stroke that he made the iron of his spear to apiece at the back of him that he fell dead to th'earth, & after he took his sword in his hand & began to cry Rames as high as he could, saying barons smite now a good, for the persians shall be now utterly discomfited, if god keep the valiant Reynawd of Mountawban & his valiant cousin Mawgis. Now is the hour come that the traitor Barbas shall finish his life, that thus betrayed the holy city of Iherusalem by his false wit. Than did set on the barons of the land, which began to make marvels of arms against the Saracens. Who had seen that time reynald and Mawgis how they made way to them that came after them: he would have marveled greatly, for I promise you none durst abide afore them were he never so hardy or valiant, but he was slain of them. After Reinaud and Mawgys, was th'earl of Rames, Geffray of Nasareth, and Walleraven of fayete, with their folk, and they made marvels of arms against their enemies, and when the Saracens saw that they could not abide the great damage of that the christian bare to them: they put themself to flight toward the city.  
When th'admiral Barbas saw that his folk were discomfited: he was angry for it & said whoresonnes', why do ye slay thus away know you not thus I am your lord, that shall defend you against this unhappy christians? Where is Margaris become that I see him not? Sir said one of the Saracens he is dead at the first jousting that he made, & when thadmiral heard this: he wend to have gone out of his wit and said who is the hath borne me so great harm as to slay the noble king margaries, is it not the great earl with the fork? yea sir said the folk, for he is called the best knight of the world and also he hath brought this day to death many of your men with his hands. Much sorry was thadmiral for the death of Margaris, and swore the god mahoune that he should pierce the heart in his belly. And when he had made this oath: he gave the spurs to the horse and put himself to the meddle, and the first that he recountered: was Walleraven of fayete to whom he gave such a stroke through the shield that he made his spear head to apere out at the back of him and slew him dead to the earth. And when the admiral had given that stroke: he put hand to his sword and showed him among the thickest, crying Percy as high as he could, and said barons smite upon this unhappy christians, for now shall they be discomfited. And when th'earl jaffas & Geffray of nasareth saw that th'admiral fared so foul with the christians: they put them in to the p●ece among the Sarasyns, and there was grea●● slaughter made of both parties, but at the last the christian had been shrewdly handled if Reinawd and mawnies had not come lightly there, Reinaud that saw this hard battle showed himself among the thickest as a wolf among a flock of sheep and smote a persian that was cousin to th'admiral that had to name Orrende, and gave him such a stroke with his sword: that he made his head to slay well a spear length from his body with helm and all. And after he smote another that was nephew to Malbon, so that he slew both horse and man with one stroke. To say the troth Reinawd made there so great marvels of arms: that all the painymes were fore abashed, for he had his shield cast behind his back, and held the ●eyne of his horse about his arm, and held his sword in both his hands and habandonned his body smiting marvelous strokes on either side upon the sarasyns so that he smote no stroke but he slew a turk or paynim. And when thadmyr●● saw the great grief that Reinawd bare to his folk: he swore his god appo●lyn he should never eat meat till he had slain the great villain. Sir said than the king Alebrondye to him. I pray you leave this enterprise, for I t●ll you for very certain that if ye go afore him: he shall kill you with one stroke. Than said th'admiral ●o him, if I had now a good guysarn in my hand he should as little endure mine efforce as should a boy▪ for and I bring him not down: I shall never require to bear any arms more, nor to ride upon any horse more.  
MVche cruel and hard was the meddling. Mawgis was there that made great occysyon fro the one side and fro the other. And when reinawde saw Mangis that did so well: he was glad, and so smote he a turk upon his helm such a stroke that he cleaved his head in two pieces, and so he smote another at the sides so that he cleaved all his ribs, and cut all together a sunder his body, and after this he smote another so that he hewed his head clean of, & one of his arms, and when he had slain these iii with one enpraint: he cried mountawban saying, smite barons, for the Saracens both turks & persians been dead & overthrown, and th●nke to avenge your lord Thomas, which is so excellent a king. And when thadmiral barbas heard cry mountawban: this word abashed him more than any other thing, for he anew well than that he that his men called the great carry with the fork: Was the valiant Reynawd of mountawban, of whom he had heard speak of many times afore that, and that he was the best knight of all the world, and when he knew this: he would full fain have be again in Percy, & than he took his way anon to ward the city as a man discomfited and overthrown, and drew to the gate fore for to have gone in to it, but the vallyaunte earl of Rames pursued him so nigh that he suffered him not to go at his wil And than the admiral saw that he was so sore pursued: he was afeard to be take, and so he smote his horse with his spurs and got in to the city with great pain, & left all his folk behind and saved himself, but the most part of his men were there slain. And when reynald wist that the admiral of Percy was so scaped: he was right sorry for it, and than he looked about him and saw there a great piece of timber that had xu foot of length, he lighted down a foot and took the baulk and trussed it up afore him upon his horse neck as lightly as it had be some piece of welow. Than he said to them that had victori as well as he. Lords follow me if it please you, with a good will said the barons for we shall never leave you, neither for death nor for life.  
NOw will I tell you why Reinaud did take that baulk afore said. Ye ought to wit that reynald bethought well that the admiral barbas should not make the gate to be shut after him, for love his folk should come in that were out, & therefore bare reynald the great baulk or beme, to the end that if he found the gate open: he should put it under the port colisse that it should not be shit lightly again. And after he had be thought himself thereof: he went on his way with the christians as fast as they could run toward the gate of Iherusalem, where the admiral had saved hymseflfe, & when he came there: he saw the gate open whereof he was glad, so took he than his beme and put it under the port colisfe, so that it might not be let down, nor the gate could not be shut nother, but ye may well know that reynald did not this without great travail, for there was so many bodies both quick & dead in his wai that he might not well help himself, but one thing helped him well, for when the Sarasyns saw him: they were so feared of him that they made him way, & fled all afore him.  
When the noble knight reynald saw that the port colisse was well fast upon the beme that he had brought there: without any tarrying he put hand to his sword and put himself within Iherusalem. And when he was in: he began to cry as high as he might Mountawban, Mountawban, the city is won and made there so much of arms the Mawgys the Earl of Rames, and many other barons gate in by fine force. And when the Sarasyns saw that the christians were within the city: they put themselves so to flight, & hid them within the houses, where as they might for to save their lives and always reynald was at the gate for to keep the entry. They that were upon the great tower of David: cried fast to the other sarasyns that they should shut the gate, saying that if the great lurden entered within they should be all lost. And when Reinaud saw that a great part of the christians were within Iherusalem: he said to Mawgis, Cousin keep well this passage, and I shall go at another gate for to make it open. Cousin said Mawgis go your way hardly and doubt nothing, I shall well keep this path. Than departed Reinaud accompanied with many valiant Christians and went unto another gate which he found well garnished with paynims but reynald thorough his prows put them anon to flight and got the gate open. Thus as ye hear was done for all the sarasyns lost their lives and was recovered again the City of Iherusalem, through the great prows of the noble reynald of Mountawban. And when the admiral saw this: he wend to have wax mad all quick and fared as he had be out of his wit and cursed his god's mahowmet & Appolyn, & pulled his heres of his beard, and rend all his raiments, and after he said. By Apollo the sovereign God, if Thomas help me not to save my life: I shall make him to be slain incontinent, and than he sent for the king Thomas and said unto him. King Thomas ye must choose of two things th'one, that is that ye must save my life that I may go to Percy again with two of my men in my fellowship: or else ye to be now cast out of these windows down. Than said the king Thomas, & please you, ye shall have patient that I may speak with my folk. Go on said the admiral to them at this window, For no ferther ye shall not go, and deliver you lightly. Than went the king Thomas to the windows, & saw reynald of Mountawban & Mawgys come that came all the formest for to assault the tower of david, where he was prisoner to the admiral. And when he saw reynald and Mawgys the formest of all: he knew them not, & looked ferther, & saw the earl of Rames behind them which he knew not well, and than he espied Geffray of Nazareth, whereof he was glad when he saw him, and than he begun to cry. Lord of Nazareth look up to your king that is here prisoner, the admiral Barbas sendeth you word that if ye let him not go safe into his country and realm of pertie with two of his men with him: he shall cast me now down out of this window. Than answered to him th'earl of Rames, ha good king god save you, ye wots well that a good man ought not to make any lie, it is troth that yesterday we made our governor, & master of that lord that ye see here afore us, which is the best knight of the world and to him ye must show your need, for without him we may do nothing. And when the king Thomas understood this tiding: he waxed almost out of his wit for sorrow, because he wend none other, but he should die an evil death. Than said he to the earl of Rames in great anger. Ha earl of Rames, have ye betrayed me so, that ye have made another Lord than me? Sir said the Earl to him again doubt nothing, for we have done so, your right and honour is always saved in this behalf, nor ye shall not lose nothing of your own, for the good knight hath enough in france and ye must know that he hath taken this city, he and his fellow, and take no suspecciyon of him nor of us, for I am sure he shall do even as ye will yourself, for he is here for none other cause but for to deliver you, for as soon as he shall have visit the holy sepulchre of our lord: he shall go again to France. Than said the king Thomas, lords how is the knight named? Sir said th'earl of Rames, he is called reynald of Mountawban, the son of the Duke Aymon, and the best knight of the world, For he is such a knight that the great king Charlemagne might never grieve him, and yet have they maintained the war xu years and more the one against tother, and so hath he done so many noble & great feats of arms during the war: that the renomee thereof is flown over all the world. earl of lame said the king, I pray you that ye will tell him in my behalf this that I have said to Geffray of nazareth, sir said th'earl with a good will I shall do so. And than he went to reynald & showed to him all that the king had said. Lords said Reinawd we shall not do so, but let us assault the tower for at worst fall, we shall always well have that appointment that th'admiral asketh, & so I tell you if we assault well: the tower shallbe lightly won by force of arms, & we shall deliver the king Thomas at our own will, & so shall we slay barbas that through treason took the city. Sir said th'earl of Rames, we shall do your commandment doubt not of it, Than commanded Reynawd that the tower should be sawted of all sidꝭ & made great plenty of ladders to be righted against it, & he himself began first to climb up with his shield for to cover him with, and after him went Mawgis & than th'earl of Rames, & after them Geffray of Nazareth & well thirty knights more, and men with crossbows & other archers abode beneath for to shoot upward, where they saw Saracens look out & when th'admiral saw Reynawde that would have come into the tower: he was sore afeard, so wist he not what he should do, but ran to the king Thomas & caught him by the neck & said to him, by apollo thou & I shall leap both at once out of this window. Sir said the king kill not yourself nor me also, for I shall make the assault to cease. I will well that ye do so said thadmiral, but ye shall come with me. So took him by the neck & had him to the window & said all high reynald of Mountawban I shall anger you, for I shall cast the king Thomas down if ye pardon me not, & I shall slay myself whim, for I may well die after such a king. And when the duke Riynawde saw that the king Thomas hang thus the head downward all ready for to fall: he had great pity of him & said Ha good lord what shall I do? for if I leave the assault: it shallbe great shame, for the tower is almost taken, and of the other part it shallbe great mysshape if the good king Thomas take death for it. Thus as reynald was upon the ladder thinking what he might best do: all the barons of the land began to cry to reynald, sweet sir suffer not that our king lose his life, so it were great shame to us and to you also. Lords said Reynawde by the faith that I own to my brethren and to my Cousin Mawgys, I would not that the king should take death for me, and when he had said so: he came down fro the ladder, and after cried to the admiral. Leave the king Thomas & do him no harm, for ye shallbe delivered by such a covenant that ye and your two men shall go on foot into Percy and ye shall leave here all your goods. By mahoune said thadmiral I will not do so but shall ride on horseback I and my two men, & so shall ye give me saufconduyt upon your faith, & if ye will not do thus: I shall let fall down the king Thomas. admiral said reynald, the ye ask I grant it to you upon my faith, For ye have with you such a pledge that ye shall not be touched at this time for me. Thadmiral was right glad when he heard reynald speak thus, so drew he up the king Thomas again and said to him, king Thomas ye shall go quite from me, and than he went down with the king & opened the gate, & went our he & his two men. There was made great joy between the king Thomas and reynald. And after of all the other barons of surre, and the great thanks that the king did to reynald and to Mawgis: are not for to be named, & the language the was between them are to long to be recounted. After this th'admiral took his safeconduct and went his way toward Percy. Hear of him is made none other mention, and after he was gone: the king Thomas, reynald & with all tother barons went together into the tower, & when they were come up: the king Thomas kneeled afore reynald. Sir said Reyaawde ye ought not to do so. Yes verily said the king, & when reynald saw that he waxed red for shame and took up the king & than the king colled him and said. Blessed be our lord that brought you in this land, for ye have succoured Iherusalem the holy city & brought myself out of the Saracens hands.  
Now tell me and it please you if ye have made peace with charlemain the great king of France that hath done you so great hindrance. Sir said reynald yea, & because of the peace I am come here, begging my bread & poorly arrayed, and when the king Thomas heard him speak: he had great pity of him, and swore by the holy Sepulchre that he should array him honourably as to him appertaineth for to return into France. After that the king had said this word: they came down fro the tower of david for to go to the holy sepulchre. And ye ought to wit that they made great feast through out the City of that was so befall. Than went they all to the holy sepulchre, for to yield thanks to our lord of the city that was recovered fro the hands of the sarasyns. And when all this was done the barons of surre took leave of the king of reynald & of mawgis, & after went every man into his place in their country, & the king took reynald & Mawgis and brought them to his palace where he feasted them a hundred days honourably. And this hanging: he showed them all the crountrey about Iherusalem, & when reynald had sported him enough with the king Thomas: he would departed for to go again into the marches of france. And when the king saw that: he gave to Reynawd many rich gifts, as horses, silks gold & silver & many other things in great plenti. And ye ought to wit that Mawgis would take nothing nor change his hermits array in no wise, but arrayed him again as a pilgrim and bare foot, whereof reynald was sorry. The king made a ship be ready honourabli at the haven of japhes, reynald full tenderly weeping took leave of the king & of his barons, and entered into the ship. And wit it that by fortune of wedring, they were well eight months upon the sea, & at last they took land at a town called Palerne, & when they had taken land: Reinaud commanded that the ship should be unlade, & all thus as they unladed the ship: the king of Palerne which was called Simon of puill looking out at a window of his castle, than he said to them that were about him, I see yonder in the haven a ship setteth her good a land, and it cannot be but there must be some great man in it, for I see horses that been had out & great riches, I cannot say what it may be, but it were pilgrims, than he commanded an horse for to be made ready: for he would sport himself to the haven side.  
THe valiant king Simon of Puill without any more tarrying: came to the sea side with many a noble knight in his company. And when he was come to the haven: he found reynald that was come a land, & assoon as the king saw him: he knew him well, whereof he was right glad, & also reynald knew well the good king Simon. So than embraced they each with other, and made great cheer th'one to tother reynald said the king, ye be right welcome, I pray you come lodge in my castle, for th'admiral barbas is entered in my land & wasteth it daily. I fought yesterday with him, but he drove me out of the field shamefully & did great harm to my folk & I am sure he shall come to besiege me to morrow, & I had thought to have send for succours toward charlemain, but sith that god hath brought you here: I fear not the king neither his admiral of Percy.  
Sir said Reynawd I make you sure I shall help you withal my power, & if th'admiral come to morrow ●he shall not miss of battle, for I shall never eat bread till I have discomfited him. Than the king Simon brought Reynawde to his palace, where he made him good cheer, and thus as Simon feasted reynald came there a knight that was called Ymes that said to the king Simon Sir th'admiral of Percy is come before Palerne with so great folk that all th'earth is covered withal. When the king understood these tidings: he was sorry for it and reynald glad. Than said reynald to the king. Sir I pray you be not abashed of nothing, for this day shall ye be avenged and god before, & the holy sepulchre fro whence I came but late, and when the king heard reynald speak so: he made be cried that every man should arm hi● self, and when reynald saw that: he sent for his herneys and armed him, and swore the body of God he should do greet to th'admiral that day sith that he had found him again. And when Mawgys saw that reynald would arm him for to fight: he said to him. My cousin I am yet disposed for your love to bear arms, for I could not suffer you in danger. And when the king Simon heard Mawgis speak so: he said him great thank, and went & embraced him and after said, by my soul here is a good Hermit for when it was need he put well hand to the sword. Sir said Reynawde ye say well troth, and I promise you men, should find in the world but few such knights as he is one After all these things said: every man took his harness and the king all armed went to Mawgys & said all laughing. My friend Mawgis I pray you that ye will bear my standard this day. Sir answered mawgys if ye take me it: I promise you I shall have it in such a place that ye shall sweet or ever ye shall come to me. And when the king heard Mawgys speak so: he was right glad thereof, and than he took him his banner. And when Mawgis had it in his hand: he said to the king sir now follow me that will, for this day shall th'admiral be discomfited if it please God, & when Mawgys had said so: he gave the spurs to his horse & put himself among the sarasyns as a lion. reynald followed him nigh & recountered a persian, whom he smote with his spear so great a stroke that he made him tumble dead to the ground, whereof tother were sore abashed & after he put hand to his sword & showed himself into the greatest prece & smote on either side of him upon the persians so marvelous strokes, that they were greatly marveled with it, for all they that he it: he brought them to thyr ending, and when th'admiral saw the great efforce of arms the Reinaud made against his folk: he said to a nephew of his that was by him. By mahoune I saw not yesterday that great man of arms, neither he that beareth now the banner of Simon, from whence the devil are they come that so greatly grieveth us? I see well they be some strange knights. I am all ready so feared of them that all the blood in my body trembleth. This hanging: the king Simon & reynald made great slaughter of the sarasyns. But when the admiral saw that his folk bore themselves so ill: he wist not whether he would flee or abide. Than came reynald breaking the prece that cried as loud as he could, mountawban. And when thadmiral heard that cry he was sore a feared that he wist not whether to go but said by mahoune I believe that this devil helpeth himself with some devilry, for I left him in Iherusalem, and now he is here.  
THan when th'admiral Barbas knew that he that made so great grief to his folk was reynald of mountawban: he shook all for fear & said to his nephew. by machomet my god, we have done ill to come here for to make war against the king Simon, sith that he hath this devil reynald of mountawban, for his like is there not in all the world of knighthood, now would I be well in my ship in the mids of the sea, for if I abide him: he shall make an end of me. Sir said his folk have no doubt of the great vilayn, for and he come once in our hands: he shall not lightly scape us lords said th'admiral, ye wots not what ye say, ye know not the great prows of reynald, for & we were ten times more folk than we been: yet should not we endure against him, & therefore by the faith that I own to mahoune I will abide here no longer. And when he had said these words: he turned the bridal, & as soon as he might fled toward his galays, & all his folk after him. And when reynald saw that the paynims were discomfited: he began to cry, after Mawgis after for the truants are discomfited. And when he had said so: he put himself to the chase, & the king Simon after him, & went casting down Sarasyns as beasts. And wit that they slew so many of them that men should not believe the numbered, but they could not take th'admiral: for he was the formest.  
BArbas the admiral of Persie, when he found himself saved in his ship: he began to look a land and saw the great damage that Reinaud & Mawgys made of his folk, for all the shores of the sea were full of saracens slain, whereof he had great sorrow, so began he to pull his heres of his beard, & cursed thoure that ever he was borne. reynald came to the shores & saw that th'admiral was saved, whereof he was full sorry & wist not what he should do more to him, but he made to be cast bolts of wild fire into the galley of th'admiral, so that he brent the most part of it, and Barbas was fain to enter into another ship. And ye ought to wit that all the Saracens that bode a land: lost their lives. when ye●ing Simon saw that he was to his above of his enemies: he was right glad of it, so ran he and embraced reynald and after said to him. reynald I know well that I am king by your prows, for & ye had not be the admiral Barbas had destroyed me, and had made an end of me, wherefore it is reason that ye be rewarded for it, & therefore (Reynawd) I make you lord of all my goods & of all my land. Than said reynald, sir I thank you much of your good will, for we be not they that have discomfited the sarasyns. It was god and none other, for we be not so puissant, I and Mawgys for to do it without him. And when they had thus spoken together a long while at the sea side: the king took Reynawde with the one hand, and Mawgys with the other hand, and went to ward the City. And when they were come there: the king made the gain to be brought, & presented it to reynald and to Mawgys, whereof Reinaud & Mawgis would take nothing, but gave it to the poor knights, & incontinent Mawgis took again his hermits word Than began the feast to be there great for the victory that god had given them. The cheer that the king made to reynald in his palace is not for to say, for it was great, and for to make short tale: reynald was honourably feasted the space of four days. And than he would depart, & asked leave of the king, whereof the king was full sorry because he would bide no longer, and when he saw that he would go: he gave him many fair gifts, & made his ship to be garnished with much good victuals. And when this was done: reynald took leave of the king Simon & of his barons, and the king conveyed Reynawde to the ship. And when he came to the patting: the king Simon kissed Reynawde sore weeping, and after went again to Palerne, and reynald did do hale up sail and took sea, & ceased never till he came to Rome, and there they took land and he and Mawgys went and confessed them to the Pope, and when they were confessed: they returned again into the ship and took their way toward France. Shortly to speak they did so much by their journeys that they came to arden about noon, & when the people of Adeyne witted the reynald & Mawgis were coming? they were never so glad, & went to alarde and said, wit that your brother reynald our lord is come and also Mawgis your cousin whole and sound thanked be god.  
ANd than when Alarde and his brethren heard these tidings of their brother reynald that was come? they had almost swooned for great joy that they had, and anon went to the gate of the town against their brother, but they found him that he was all ready in the town, & when they saw him: they ran him against and Alarde embraced him first weeping. and after kissed him by great love & in likewise did Guicharde and Richard, and than kissed mawgis their good cousin. And when they had thus welcomed him: they went together in the palace, & when they were therr, Alarde said to Reynawd fair brother tell, us how ye have found out cousin mawgis. Brother said reynald I found him in constantinople by fortune, & than he began to rehearse unto them all his adventures that he had sith he became pilgrim. And when he had told all he looked on his brother Alarde in his face & saw he was pale, which gave him suspection & said. Fair brother now is it with my wife and mi children? I marvel me much that I see them not here. Brother said Alarde have no doubt for them, for they been whole and sound at Mountawban, and wit it that sith your departing: we have do repair again the town, & have done garnish the castle with victual enough, for fear of war if any thing had happened us amiss. And than when reynald heard good tidings of his wife & of his children: he was right glad of it, and so he kneeled down and thanked God of it.  
When reynald knew that his wife & his children were well: it recomforted him much & begun to make good cheer, but when he saw that his brethren made no great joy he marveled much: so turned himself toward Alarde the sighed sore and said to him. Brother I await for to hear some heavy tidings I trow that, that ye have told me is not troth, and if ye tell me not how is it of all: I shall go fro myself, and therefore I pray you tell it me, for I will know it. When alarde saw that reynald held him so short: he began to weep full tenderly and than said unto him. Sir sith that it please you that I tell you the troth: I shall do so. Wit it that my lady your wife is deceased out of this world unto god. For ever sith that ye departed she ceased not her sorrow for nothing that we could do or show unto her. And than she cast all her clothing into a fire and would never were upon her but a sorry mantle & a smock, & so long she wept and sorrowed day and night that she died at last, whereof I am sorry for it, for she was the goodliest and the fairest of all the world. When reynald understood these words: he swooned down to the earth for great sorrow that he took at his heart of the death of the good duchess Clare his wife, & when he was come again to himself: he began to weep & said, Ha king Charlemagne, how well may I hate you? by you have I lost my wife, for she is dead because she see that ye chased me out of France with so great shame to make me go a foot, begging my bread like a truaunt, but I knew well that my sins been cause of all this. And when reynald had made his moan: he said to Alarde his brother, fair brother I pray you come & show me the tomb where my wife is begraven. Brother said Alarde with a good will, I shall do so, and than he brought him to the church where his good wife the Duchess was buried. And when reynald came there he swooned three times upon her tomb, and when he was come again to himself: began to make great sorrow, for he rented his clothes and pulled his hears. And when he had sorrowed long: he said as a man replenished with sorrow. Ha god what a pilgrim I am. I believe that there is none in the world more unhappy than I am: Now see I well that I have lost all my joy and my comfort sith that I have lost the fairest lady of the world and the goodliest. And as he was speaking these words: came there his children Aymonet & yonnet that kneeled before their father. And when reynald saw the kneeling afore him: he wend his heart should have breast. So took he them up and kissed them by great love all weeping, and after said to them. Mi fair children see that ye be good men, for I fear me that ye shall miss me soon. And when reynald had said this to his children: he began to make more sorrow than he had done afore & so did Mawgis. Than begun the sorrow through all the town right great, and lasted ten days without cease, and when came to the xiii day: reynald took his way toward Mountawban that was almost as well peopled as it was or the war began. And Mawgys habandonned never reynald where somever he went but went always on foot in his hermits array, and as they went thus to Mountawban: the brethren of Reynawd & his children went on foot for to bear company to Mawgys their cousin. And when they of Mountawban knew the coming of their lord: they were right glad of it, & made all the streets for to be hanged with fair clothes, & they came against him all together making great joy, and made him great reverence, & welcomed him honourably. And reynald received them gladly & made them good cheer, for at that time he dissimuled his sorrow that he had at his heart, because he should not discomfort his folk that so great joy made for his coming And also they of Mountawban welcomed mawgis honourably, because they loved him of old very well, & then they brought Reinaud making great joy unto the castle, and when reynald found himself within his castle of Mountawban: he was glad of it, and came to a window & looked down into the town, & saw that it was as well peopled as ever it was, and had marvel of whence so much people was come there for to dwell & he was right glad of it, for he wend never to have seen mountawban in that plight as it was before the war began. After that the feast was ended: ●eynawde called his brethren & said unto them. Lords I hold me destroyed for love of the good duchess, which I have lost whereof I am right heavy for it, for love of the great goodness that I have known in her, I make my vow to god that never while I live I shall never marry again. Cousin said mawgys ye do well, but I pray you recomfort yourself, for ye know well that a thing that may not be amended must be left alone. Cousin said Reynawde ye say well & I shall do so. When reynald, his brethren & Mawgys had done great cheer that day at Mountawban: Mawgys on the morrow next took leave of his cousins & went again to his hermitage & when he would depart: he said to reynald, Cousin remember you well that for you are dead so many folk for whom ye beholden to pray god that he will have mercy on their souls. And when Mawgis had said so he took his way & would not suffer no body to convey him, and he did so much by his journeys that he came to his hermitage, where he lived a holy life. For after he was come again to his hermitage: he eat never but herbs and roots of the wood, & in this manner wise lived Mawgis the space of vii years that he saw neither man nor woman. And when it came to the viii year: the good mawgys deceased fro this world about Easter. jesus for his pity pardon his soul. ¶ Hear leaveth the history to speak of mawgis whom god pardon & turneth to speak again of reynald, of his brethren & of his children how they were made knights.   

¶ How reynald sent his two sons to the king Charlemagne much honourably. for to be made knights at Paris.   depiction of a group of un-armoured men on horseback 
IN this party showeth th'history that after that Mawgys was erturned again to his hermitage, reynald was ever after sorry for him & also for his wife. But he recomforted himself as well as he might with his brethren. A long while. abode reynald with his brethren making as good cheer as he could, and wit it that about that time died the old duke Aymon which left great goods to his children, but shortly to speket Reinaud departed & gave all his goods as well that, he had of his own, as that was fallen by the death of his father Aymon unto his brethren except only that he retained for himself the castle and town of Mountawban, and found the ways that they were all married noble & richly. Who that should speak of the brethren of reynald and of their deeds: it were to long to be recounted. reynald than dwelled long at Mountawban with his children which he endoctrined & taught in all good and virtuous manners as well as he could, & nourished them till that they were men, and could bear both shield and spear. And upon a day he had them to the field on horseback, and made to be brought there spears and shields for to assay themself, and took with him twenty knights, whom when they were comen in the field: he made his children to just with. And ye ought to wit that the two sons of Reynawd jousted as well as though they had be haunting the war ten years & more. And when reynald saw that they did so well: he called them afore him & afore the knights and said to them. My fair children thanked be our lord, ye be rail men and well made of body. It is now time that ye were made knights, wherefore I will that ye go serve the king Charlemagne your sovereign lord which shall make you knights, for or more noble hand ye can not be dowbed to the noble order of knight hood. Sir said Aymonet, we are ready to fulfil your will in every thing that ye command us. Father said Yonnet ye say well to us, for it is time that we follow the wars, but sith it is your pleasure to send us to Charlemagne: We must go there honourabli, but it cannot be without great cost. My son said reynald, care not for the cost, for we have good enough, gramercy our lord, for to bring you there according to your ●state, & I promise you, I shall send you there or I be vii night elder as honourably as any went thither sin my time. Father said the children we are ready to go when it please you.  
When reynald had said this to his children: he went home again to Mountawban well joyful of his two sons that proved so well, & when he was within his castle: he called his steward and said to him. steward I command you that ye a●ay my children honourably & richly of diverse manners of clothing and of things that longeth of them, for I will send them to the court of the king Charlemagne, for to be made knights of him, & s●e that they go as honestly as any went thither this twenty years. My lord said the steward, I shall well do your commandment sith that it pleaseth you, for ye have enough clothes full rich of your own of diverse colours.  
When the steward heard the commandment of his master without any tarrying he did right well all that was commanded him by reynald, for he made to be ready many palfreys and coursers well barbed and covered with rich cloth of gold with bells of silver & guilt in great plenty, and purveyed for two good harneyses all complete, for spears & swords and for all such other things as a pertaineth for the two young bachelors. Shortli to speak: it was not possible to ataye better two young squires than the two young sons of reynald were by the purveyance of his steward, and when all things were ready: he brought them before his masters. And when Reinaud saw this: he was glad & said by god steward I con you thank that ye have purveyed so well for my children, & reynald made .v. C knights well ready to bear company to his sons. And when they were all redi: reynald called to his sons and said to them. Mi fair sons ye be well appointed thanked be god, & here is a fair bend of noble men to bear you fellowship, & therefore ye shall now go to the court of charlemain our great king, which shall make you great cheer and honour for my love, my children ye be of high lineage & right noble, & therefore beware that ye do nothing against your nobleness ne that might return to any shame to me nor to your lineage, and I command you upon the faith that ye own to me that the money that I deliver to you now, ye dispend it honestly, & spare not to do good therewith to poor gentlemen and young bachelors that would feign come to worship, & when ye have all spended it honestly: send to me for more, and ye shall have enough and above this I charge you that ye serve god always afore any thing that ye have a do, and that ye speak no word foul out of your mouth to no lady nor damsel, worship your better and love your neighbour, and so shall you be praised of every man. Moreover I charge you that ye live friendly together as two brethren ought to boo, & to you yonnet my fair son. I command you the ye bear honour and reverence to your brother, for he is your elder, that know ye well.  
THan said yonnet, father be you sure I shall serve my dear brother as I would do you, that are my lord & my dear father. By my faith fair son said reinawde, if ye do so ye shall be praised for it whersomever ye come or go. But yet one thing I forbidden you that ye speak not to much, for if ye do the contrary: the frensshemen shall say, that ye be not like inconditions to your parentage. Father said the children, we have such a trust in our Lord god that he shall keep us from all thing that is contrary to his will, and that we shall so govern us, that ye shall gladly avow us for your children, all they of the court of Charlemagne shall love us but if they will do wrong, & when Reynawd heard his children speak so the was ●ight glad thereof and drew them aside and said to them. My fair children ye go now into france, remember well here after all which I shall tell you now, ye must know the there be in the court of Charlemagne a great lineage of folk that never loved us but little, the which are of the great power they be of maunt. I charge you that ye ne go nor come with them, for nothing that they can tell you, & if they hurt you by any wise: see that ye revenge yourself wisely, & show them that ye be the sons of Reinaud of mountawban. Father said the children, doubt not we shall not suffer that any outrage be do to us if we may. Fair children said reinawde, kneel afore me, & they kneeled anon afore their father & reinawd gave them his blessing, & after kissed them weeping many times & gave them leave & after turned him to his knights, and said. My lords I commend you to god, & pray you that ye rend well my children & suffer not that any wrong be done to them to your power, for ye know well that we been hated in france, & I pray you give them always good counsel, and that they be always courteous gentle & liberal of their goods, for a prince covetous was never praised, & when reinawd had said this: he withdrew him sore weeping. Thus leaveth th'history to speak of reinawd & of his brethren, and returneth to show of his children, that were gone to the court of Charlem●ine.   

❧ How after that the king Charlemagne had received full sweetly the sons of reynald: they fought with the suns of Foulques of Moryllon, & discomfited them in the isle of our lady, within Paris, because they had laid treason upon reynald their father, for cause that he had slain Foulques: in the plain of valcolors.   depiction of two knights in armour and on horseback, jousting with lances 
Now showeth the tale, that after that Aimonet & yonnet were departed fro their father: they road so much by their journeys, that they came to paris, and lodged them by the palace, and when they were lodged: the two children clothed themself honestly & all their folk, & than they went with their fellowship, holding each other by the hands to the palace. And when the barons of Charlemagne saw come the ii brethren so richly arrayed and so goodly a fellowship of knights after them, they marveled greatly what they might be, so said th'one to tother, here be two fair children & by likelihood they should be brethren and they must be of some high lineage. The barons then followed them, when they mounted to the palace, & they entered within the great hall. where they found the king Charlemagne, that devised with some of his barons, & there was the duke naimes. Richard of Normandy, Solomon of breteyn, Ogyer the dane, th'earl Guaneilon, & also Constans and rohats, which ii hated reynald of Mountawban right sore, for they were the sons of Foulques of morillon that reinawd had slain in the plain of valcolors when he and his brethren defended them so well at the blank of Mountbron These two brethren Constans and rohars had great name in the court, but their hearts were full false, and the king Charlemagne loved them well for their prows and great knighthood. With Charlemagne were also many other great princes and barons whereof the book maketh no mention. For it were to long a thing for to be recounted.  
THan when the two brethren the sons of Reinaud of Mountawban were come in to the hall: they saw the king among his barons so went they unto him, and kneeled down afore him, and kissed his feet. And than Aymonet spoke first and said. Sir god give you good life & long, and keep from evil all your noble company. Sir we are come to you for to have the order of knighthood, if it please your good grace to give it to us, for of no better hand than is yours: We can not have it, wherefore sir we beseech you humbly for god and for the love of our father that it will please you to receive us in your service unto the time ye give the said order of knightehode, who been you said the king that speak thus? Sir said Aymonet, we are the sons of reynald of Mountawban. And when the king charlemain understood that they were the sons of reynald: he rose upon his feet lightly and received them honourably, and after said unto them. My children, ye be right welcome and how fareth your father? sir said the children, he doth well thanked be god, and he recommendeth him right humbly to your good grace, beseeching you that ye will have us for recommended, and we have left him at Mountawban, but he draweth now sore to age. Thus goeth the world my children (said the king) every man must take in it an end. Much glad was the king Charlemagne of the coming of the two sons of reynald, and right gladly he looked upon them for the love of their father, for the more he beheld them: and the more fairer he found th●im and better liked them, and well he loved them, because they were like the father. And when that he had looked upon them enough: he said to his barons. Lords if the children would forsake the father: they could not, for never children were more like to him, than they, & when he had said so: he turned roward the children and said to them. Fair children ye shall be made knights at all times when ye will, for the love of your father my good friend, and I shall give you more lands than your father hath, and for love of you: I shall make an hundred knights more with you, for ye been of such a stock come that ye be worthy for to be honoured praised and holden dear. And than when the duke Naimes, Rowland & O●iuer that came there and all the other Peers of France saw that they were the two sons of Reinawd of mountawban: they were right glad of it, & than every man kissed them by great love, and asked them how Reinaud and his brethren b●d, lords said Aymonet, what are you that be so glad of our coming, Children said the duke names, we been all your kinsmen. And than the duke Naimes told them all their names. And when the children knew what that they were: they meeked themsele before them honestly and after yonnet said to them. Lords our father greeteth you well, and prayeth you that ye will have us for recommended as your kinsmen. And than when the barons heard the two children speak so wisely: they were glad of it and also of their coming. But the two sons of Foulques of Moryllon were full sorry and wroth for it, by my soul said Constans to his brother Rahars the father of these two chyldrenes slew our father, whereof the heart in my body swelleth high for anger that I see them here neither mine eyen can not look upon them, brother said Rohars, nor I neither by my truth, but I counsel not that we fight with them not here, for it were folly. But let us await a time and place covenable, for sith that they shall dwell here: We shall avenge us upon them. Brother said Constans, let us do one thing, that I shall tell you, which is easy for to do, that ye shall call the one of treason: and I the other, saying that their father slew our father by treason. And also we shall prove that their father wrought treason against the king charlemain, brother said Rohars, ye speak well, but we must suffer a while till we see how they shall bear themselves in court, for & they do any otherwise than they ought to do: We shall mow kill them and be not blamed for it. After this done: ye ought to know that the children of Reinaud of Mountawban, bore themself full honestly in court, for all the barons loved them dear, save only the two sons of Foulques of moryllon, whereof Aimonet and yonnet perceived it right well, and spoke not with them, nor haunted them not. It was great marvel of the great gifts that the sons of Reynawd gave to the Barons and gentlemen of the court of Charlemagne, as were fair horses and harness and many clothes of silk of divers colours, and in like wise they gave to the ladies and gentle women fair gowns of cloth of gold and of silver. And of the other part they kept a great estate and good house to all poor gentlemen and squiets, and did so much good that they were greatly praised of every man. What should I tell you more? the children of reynald did so much in the court of the king Charlemagne: that of all the world they were loved, and princypallye of the king Charlemagne. when the king saw that they behaved them so well and so wisely in his court: he was right glad of it so loved he them most of any young knight of his court, and made them his carvers a fore him. And thenne when the two sons of Foulques of Moryllon saw that the king loved them so much: they were full angry, in so much that they waxed mad all quick for anger of it, and so swate by great anger that they should slay them, or ever theishould go to from the court. It happened so that upon whit sunday even as the king was at Paris, and would keep open court, and there was Aymonet and yonnet with the other barons in the hall. This hanging: arrived there a knight of Almaigne that presented to the king a fair knife after the fashion of the land, than called the king yonnet & gave it him by great love. And when yonner had received this gift of the king & as he should have gone to his place again: he showed Constans with his elbow against his wil And when Constans saw that yonnet had done so: he had great despite at it, and said. What is this? must there be so much set by these two boys the sons of a traitor, which been not worth a rotten apple? & this one is all ready become so proud that he hath now showed me with his elbow by great envy and pride, much other language constans said by Yonnet: Which he ought not for to say, and when yonnet heard that Constans had called him the son of traitor: he was sore an angered. So came he to him and said Constans ye have learned a foul craft, that is that ye can speak shrewdly without a cause lawful why, for I have heard that ye have called me and my brother the sons of a traitor, & that the king knoweth well that our father slew yours by treason, whereof I will ye wit that ye lie falsely, but your father did assail ours by treason as a traitor, come of the lineage of traitoures. But God would not that my father should die so, nor mine uncles. my father slew your father, it is true, but it was in his defending of his body, & he did then as a noble knight, as he is, and if ye be so hardy that ye will maintain that he did it by treason: here I cast now my gage afore this noble company, saying that ye have lied falsely, save the reverence of the king Charlemagne, and of his fellowship.  
THan when the king Charlemagne saw that none of the barons said nothing of the strife of yonnet and of Constans: he was angry for it, and said. Constans ye do great wrong for to say that I and the twelve peers of france know well that Reinaud of Mountawban slew your father by treason, hold your peace said Charlemagne, for if ye knew well how the matter is ye should not speak of it, wherefore I command you in as much as ye fear to anger me: that ye make amends to yonnet of that ye have said, or else void incontinent my court and my realm, for ye have troubled all my court, whereof I am not content. And when Rohars heard this that the king Charlemagne had said to Constans his brother: he was angry and so rose on his feet, and said. Sir I am ready to prove upon Aimonet that his father slew our father by treason and here is my gage. Rohars said Charlemagne, here ye take a wrong way, and it shall be to you over late, when ye shall repent it. When Aymonet and yonnet understood these words: they kneeled afore the king Charlemagne and said to him. Sir for god we pray you right humbly that ye take the gauges that Rohars hath cast, for with god's grace we shall well defend our father of the treason, that they put upon him. Children said the king, sith it please you that I take them: I shall do so, and than the king charlemain took the gauges, & Constans advanced himself & said. Sir we understand that we shall fight two and two, the one against the other. ¶ when the king Charlemagne had take the gauges of battle of Constans and of Rohars: he asked them who should be their suretes, than leapt forth the traitor Guanellon, betenger, Escouf of moryllon, Lion of pygnabel & griffon of hautbraunche, the which said to king Charlemagne, sir we will be suretes for Constans & Rohars, for they be of our lineage. Lords said Charlemagne I take them you to keep, and I charge you to bring them again to the court when time shallbe. Sir said the sureties we shall do as ye command us. And when the king had received the sureties of Constans and of Rohars: Aymonet and yonnet came forth, & said in this manner. Sir here been our gauges how that we will defend that our father slew never Foulques of morillon by treason. Children said the king Charlemagne ye speak well, but I must have surety of you as I have of the other party, if I will do reason, than leapt forth Rowland Oliver, the duke Naimes of bavyre, Ogier of denmarke, Richard of Normandy, and Escoufe the son of Oedon, which said to the king. Sir we been sureties for the sons of Reinawd, & we shall present them to you at the day of battle. Sirs said the king Charlemagne it pleaseth me well, but the children of reynald been not yet knights as ye know, but by the faith that I own to god they shall be to morrow, and than we shall send our letters to reynald that he come to see the battle of his children, for this day forty days I devise it. When the even came: the king Charlemagne made be called his steward and said to him. Go and bring me to morrow the sons of reynald, for I will that they been to morrow named knights, and see that they been well honoured, for I will do this for the love of their father, and purvey so that they have each of them a good courser and good harness meet for their bodies. When the steward heard the commandment of the king Charlemagne: he did well the tenor thereof. And when the morning came: the steward brought Aimonet, & yonnet, well appointed, and in their company all such other as the king for their love would make knights that day. And when that they were afore the king: Aymonet and Yonnet required the order of knighthood, to whom the king gave it with good heart, and in like wise the other for love of them, and than was a great feast made that day. And when the feast was finished: Charlemagne took a messenger, which he sent unto Reinawd of Mountawban, and sent him word that he should come to the court with good company, for his children were called of treason, by the sons of Foulques of Morillon saying that he had slain their father by treason, and how his children had cast their gauges, saying that they had lied falsely.  
THan when the duke Reinaud heard these tidings that Charlemagne sent him: he marveled of it sore. Than sent he for all his brethren by his letters that he should come to him in arms, for it was need. And when the brethren of reynald understood these tidings: without any tarrying they came to the brother at Mountawban. And when Reinaud saw them: he was glad and kissed them th'one after the other, and after he told them all that the king Charlemagne had give him to know, and when the brethren of reynald understood it: they marveled of it, brother said richard doubt not, for the matter shall come better than ye ween of, by the grace of god. I counsel that we go to the court of the king Charlemagne. For when we shall be there we shall soon understand the kings mind, and what his will is toward you, and I promise you, if he hath done any wrong to our nephews your children god never have mercy on my soul, but I shall slay him, what hap thereof Brother said Reinaud I will well that we go to Paris, and when we shall be there, we shall well understand how the king Charlemagne beareth himself toward my children. Brother said Alard, ye speak well & wisely, & me seemeth after mine advise that we ought to go thither without any long tarrying. And when they were there to accorded: they departed fro Mountawban with a right noble company, and so much they road by their journeys that they came to the city of paris. And when they were come there: all the xii peers knew anon of their coming, and went against them, and brought with them Aymonet & yonnet, and received Reinawd & his brethren with great joy & honour. And when Reynawd saw his two fair sons: he said to them in this wise. My children now shall it be seen if ye be my sons or no. For and ye be my children, ye shall avenge me of that great shame that these traitoures put upon me without a cause. Father said the children: doubt not thereof, for & they were ten against us, yet shall we overcome them by the grace of god. For every man knoweth well that ye be as true a knight as any is in the world. And when the king Charlemagne knew the coming of Reinawd that was come so well accompanied: he was glad of it, and sent word to reynald that he should come to him, the which thing reynald did, and when the king saw him he made him good cheer and with good heart, and also to his brethren. And when Reinaud had be with the king a long while: he took leave of him & went to his lodges again, and when he was there he called his brethren and his children & said to them. My sons come hither, tell me how the king Charmayn beareth himself toward you, & what he saith of this quarrel that ye have undertake. I must know the troth of it. Father said the children, wit it that the king Charlemagne loveth us much, and he entreteyneth us above all other honourably, for the love of you that he loveth right much, as he saith. And than they told him how he had made them knights, and how he sustained their quarrel against the traitors, and all other.  
When Reinaud and his brethren heard the children speak thus: they were glad of it, for they doubted lest Charlemagne would have faten evil with them. And when Reynawd of mountawban witted that the king had borne himself so well toward his sons: he said that he should serve him evermore as his sovereign lord. And on the morrow Reinaud went for to see the king at his rising from his bed and thanked him much of the great worship that he had done to his children. Than said Charlemagne to him. Reinaud ever sith that I saw that ye did my commandment with good will, & that ye were obeying to me: I did cast all mine anger from me, and all the evil will that I had against you, and I will that ye wit that I am well yours, and shall be as long as I live in this world, for I take you for one of my best friends. And when Reinawd heard the debonairtie and the kind words of the king: he cast himself to the feet of him, and in likewise did all his brethren, and thanked him much, & wit that Reinawd & his brethren abode in paris with great joy and pleasure unto the day of the battle that should be of his children. And this hanging: reynald had done make good harness for his children and had purveyed two good horses for them.  
THan when the day of the battle was come: the children of Foulques of Moryllon came and presented them afore the king ready for to fight. And when the king saw them: he said to them. children ye have had evil counsel to challenge the sons of reynald of Mountawb●n, as ye have done. For I am sure, it shall repent you, but this is not the first fault that your lineage hath done, nor it shall not be the last. I fear me of it. And when the earl Guanellon & all they of the lineage of Foulques of morillon heard the king speak so: they were so greatly abashed, that they witted not what they should do, but kept all their peace, & aswered no word. And than said Constans to the king. Sir we pray you for god that ye will tell to us the place where we shall fight against our enemies. Than stood up the duke names of bauyere, & said, sir Constans speaketh well, ye must devise the place, and where they shall fight two against ii or one against another alone. names said the king, I will that ye judge this matter, sir sith that it please you so: I shall bespeak it with a good will. Sir said the duke names, me seemeth, because that Constans hath called the sons of Reynawd to battle both for one matter: that they ought to fight two against nawde to battle both for one matter that they ought to fight two against two, and all four together. Sir said reynald, the duke names saith right well. By my faith Reinaud said the king Charlemagne, and I grant it so, but I will that the battle be made in the isle of our lady within savoine to morrow in the morning. And when the king Charlemagne had said thus: the barons took leave of him, & each of them went to their lodges, and Reinaud also the which took his two sons with him, and the two sons of Foulques of Moryllon went also with their friends. When Reinaud and his brethren had souped, and had made good there: he made bring harness enough, and made Alarde and richard, and his two children aymonet, and yonnet, to be armed. And than he made to be showed to Aymonet and to yonnet how they should defend themselves of their enemies, and in what manner they should assail them. And when that this was done: reynald did send his children to saint Vyctoure and the traitors went to saint Germayne for to watch that night. And when the day came: a bishop that was of the lineage of Constans and of rohars sang mass afore his cousins, & the bishop Turpyn said mass affore the sons of Reinawd, which was with them at saint Victoure, and also the twelve peers of France. And when the young knights had heard the mass: they came all in their harness to the palace before the king Charlemagne. And when the king saw them: he called his nephew Rowland and Oliver, the duke Naimes of bavyete, and Richard of Normandye, and said to them. Lords ye been all my men. I command you upon the truth that ye own to me, that ye go keep the field by such manner that my honour be saved by it, and that ye keep to every man his right. For by the faith that I own to god, if there be any man so hardy that will do any outrage: I shall anger him right sore. Wherefore I will that ye pass the water of Sayne, in to the ill with the fighters and that ye bear with you the hallows, for to make them sweet there upon, afore they shall enter in to the field, that they go to it all in good quarrel truly. Sir said the barons, we shall do your commandment, and also we shall keep therein well your honour, for we been bound thereto. Lords said the king Charlemagne, ye speak well, but ye must take good heed well to all. For there shall be great folk gathered of the one part, & of the other, wherefore I fear me that some meddling shall hap among them. For Rohars is full of great treason, and all his friends I know it well. And of the other part. reynald & his brethren are right puissant and wise, and they have great power with them, and they will not see themself wronged, and namely richard the brother of Reinawd, for & if he be once angry: he spareth neither king nor earl. And therefore I fear him most of all the other, for he would once have slain me, I am yet remembered thereof. Of reynald I doubt not for he is in every thing reasonable. Sir said the duke names be not dismayed of nothing, for we shall keep well your right and your honour without to do any wrong to any body. This hanging: the children of Foulques of Moryllon went to the said isle, where as the king Charlemagne had told them that they should fight. And when they were passed over the river in to the isle with their horses: they bound them and than they set themself down upon the fair grass, waiting after their adverse party. Now hear what the traitoures had ordained, ye ought to wit that while the king Charlemagne had spoken with his Barons as ye have heard: Berenger, Ardock and Griffon of haute branch did put themself in a bush, nigh by the said isle of our lady, and purposed that if the sons of reynald had the better of the field against the two other sons of Morillon: that than they should issue out upon them, with a right great numbered of folk, for to slay them shamefully.  
When that Reinawd saw that it was time that his sons should go to the isle for to accomplish their battle: he called Aymonet, & said to him, come hither fair son ye be the eldest, and therefore ye ought to be honoured afore the younger brother, hold I give you flamberge my good sword, by the which ye shall take vengeance of these traitors. For ye been in the right, and they in the wrong, father said Aymonet, ye may be in a surety that ye shall see this day such a thing that shall be to your hearts joy, for we shall bring the traitors to their shameful death, & it please god. And when Reinawd heard his son so valiantly speak: he was glad, and kissed him. And than he gave him his benediction, and in likewise to yonnet. And when he had done this: he brought his brethren & his children to the isle of our lady. And when they were over: he and his brethren came again toward the king. But as they would have gone: there came a messengat that escried to Reinaud as loud as he might. reynald have mercy on thy children. For if thou see not well to them: they be lost. wit that Griffon of haute branch is embusshed with a great numbered of folk by the ille for to slay thy children. And when reynald understood these words: he blustered red in his face all for anger, and said. Ha sweet france, that it is great damage that ye may never be without traitors. And when he said this: he called his brother Richard, and said to him. Fair brother go without tarrying, and arm yourself, and do arm all our folk, and than bring them to the isle and if the false traitor Griffon of hautbraunche come for to grieve my children: slay him incontinence. And when ye be there: do that ye may be seen of both parties. And for God keep well if the sons of Foulques of morillon have the better: that ye help not in no wise my children, but let them die if it come so. For it were great dishonour for us: if ye did otherwise, Brother said Richard, let me alone thereof, our worship shall be saved by the grace of god. For I would not help if it came so for all the good of the world. For all our life days we should be rebuked of it, & all our lineage also. And when Richard had said so: he departed fro his brethren, and went and armed him and all his folk, and then they lighted on horseback, & went anon there as Reynawd had said. This hanging: went reynald to the king in his palace, and when the king saw him, he said to him Reynawd ye be right welcome. Sir said Reinaud, god increase your honour, and when Charlemagne saw not Richard with his brethren: he took some susspetion of him and said to reynald. Where is your brother richard that he is not here with tother. Sir said Reinaud he is gone there as I have sent him but take no susspection at all for him: no more I do said charlemain as long as ye be a live, but we must go upon the tower of sane for to see the battle of your children, let us go there, sir said reinawd when it please you, than went they upon the tour, & with them the bishop Turpyn solomon of breten, Ogier the dane, Guidellon of bauyere and many other barons.  
THus as the king Charlemagne was gone upon the tour for to see the battle: he looked & saw come the brother of reynawd, and a great company of men armed. And when charlemain saw him: he knew him well, for he bore his own cote of arms, and richard had done so for because he should be known. And when Charlemagne saw this: he was all abashed of it, and then he called reynald and said to him. What will ye do reynald, will ye dishonour me? have ye forgotten all ready your truth? Sir said Reynawd nay, save your reverence, but I will serve you and worship you as my sovereign lord. why said the king Charlemagne, is Richard gone in to the isle of our lady with so great fellowship for to break the field of the which thing. I shall be dishonoured? Sir said reynald have no doubt thereof, for I take god to surety and waraunte that knoweth all things that richard shall do nothing that shall turn to your dishonour ne to no damage to you, and I shall tell you why my brother richard hath put himself in arms, ye must wit that the traitor Gryffon of hautbraunche is enb●shed under saint marcel in a garden with a great numbered of folk armed, that will break your field for to slay my children. And therefore hath my brother armed him for to succour them if need be, and if ye see that richard do any thing against your will and commandment: here I am, that upon me take the vengeance. is It truth said Charlemagne, that Gryffon hath done so as ye say? yea said reynawd verily, for I would not tell you none otherwise. Right angry was Charlemagne when he heard that Reinaud had told him. Than he swore god and all his saints, that if he might take Griffon of hautbraunch: that he should make him be hanged, and all his folk with him. He called than Solomon, and the earl of poiters and Guidellon of Baviere, & said to them. Lords make me anon a thousand knights to be armed. For I will go in to the isle for to see the pride of these traitors. And I swear you by saint james, if I may they shall do me no more dishonour and if I can find them: they shall abye it full dearly. Sir said Reynawde ye speak like a king. The barons than did that Charlemagne had sent in to the isle saw richard with his folk in arms. And when rowland saw that they wear arms: he was not well content with it, and said to the other Barons that were come with him for to keep the field. what will Richard do? blame have the king Charlemagne if he take not vengeance upon reynald of that they have done against his commandment, by my faith said Oliver and the duke names ye say well. Than said Ogyer, lords I promise you that reynald knoweth nothing of that, that richard doth. Thus as the peers of france were speaking of that: richard was come in to the field in armed griffon issued out of his ambushment with his folk, because he was afeard that richarde would grieve the children of Foulques of Moryllon. And when rowland saw him: he cried to him with a high voice. By god traitor this shall nought avail you for afore that any stroke be given of them: they shall make their oath, and ye shall abye it full dearly that ye have done. Right sorry was rowland when he saw the foul treason that Griffon would have brought about. This hanging: came there Charlemagne with a great company of folk well armed. And when he saw Rowland: he said to him. nephew why do ye suffer the outrage that the sons of Foulques of Morillon would do to the children of Reinaud, of mountawban. I blamed Reynawd, because his brother had armed him: but I know now well that they had reason, sir said rowland none can beware of traitors. nephew said Charlemane ye say truth: but by the faith that I own to god. I shall make them all to be hanged in despite of all their lineage only for the treason that they have done this day. By god sir said Rowland ye shall do well. And than came there Reynawd upon a palfrai without sword And when rowland saw him: he said unto him. Sir Reinaud is it youte will that Richard your brother is come hither in arms? sir rowland said Reynawd, yea verily, for nothing that I have done shall not be hid from you, ye have now seen the treason that the traitors would have wrought against my children, & therefore when I knew their falsehood: I commanded my brother Richard that he should put himself shortly in arms with my men for to secure them that the traitors came them upon, & if ye think that richard or I have done amiss in any thing: so let the king make justice of it. By my soul said rowland, neither you neither your brother be not to be blamed, but ye have done as good knights should do. And I promise you that your enemies shallbe this day brought to shame and confusion.  
ANd when richard of mountawban saw charlemain: he knew well that he was come for to keep the field, and that the traitors should not con do any thing to his nephews. So said he to his folk let us take of our harness. For sith that the king is here himself: we need not to wait here no more. Than went Richard and his folk and disarmed them. And when Richard had done so: he light again upon his horse, and came again over the river of Saint swyminge unto the foresaid isle. And when he was on land: he spurred his horse, and made him to leap three or four lepes afore the company. And than he came straight afore the king, and made to him reverens honourably. when the king saw richard: he said to him, and ye richard will ye dishonour me, that are come in arm for to break my field? Sir said richard save your grace, for I never thought it, but wit it well for certain, that if Gryffron of hautbraunche had come for to grieve mine neves: I would have made his forehead for to sweet. Sir ye be our sovereign lord, so ought ye to maintain and keep us, and so shall I tell you a thing afore all your barons, that if ye believe the traitors of Maunt: ye shall once repent it. I am well a paid that ye & your xii peers have seen the treason of Griffon of hautbraunche, how he would have slain mine nephews. Ha by god said charlemagne, ye say troth, he is well worthy to be blamed, and I tell you they that shallbe over come shallbe hanged, nor shall not be saved for none of their lineage. Sir said richard it pleaseth me well, but I tell you that if I should die: I should never suffer my nephews to be wronged. By my head said the king, ye shall see that I shall do reason unto every party. For I shall bring th●m together, let god help the right. Than when Charlemagne had said so: he went to the two children of Foulques of Moryllon, and said to them now lords high you of that ye have to do, go and swear upon the hallows that justly ye enter in this quarrel. Sir said they we shall do it with right good will, for the children of reynald been dead, but if that they confess, that their father slew our father by treason. Then spoke the bishop Turpin, and said, Lords come hither, and swear upon the hallows, & see to that ye forswear not yourself, for he that forsweareth himself shallbe over thrown, no doubt thereof, when the bishop Turpin had said this: the two sons of foulques of moryllon kneeled down afore the hallows, and swore that reinawde of Mountawban had slain their father by treason, & after they had made their oath: they kissed the hallows, and offered two besans of gold. And than went and lighted upon their horses. And thus as they lighted: they were to nigh each other so that th'one hurted tother so hard: that they fell down almost both to the earth. And when reynald saw this: he said to the other barons here is an evil token. I believe that they been forsworn. This hanging: came the children of Reinaud, that kneeled afore the hallows and swore that the two sons of Foulques of Moryllon had lied falsely all that they had said. And then they put their hands upon the hallows, and offered a rich gift, and the bishop Turpyn gave them the benediction, & in likewise the king Charlemagne, and all the other barons, & than of reynald, and of his brethren and after they went and mounted upon their horses lightly.  
When the four Champions were upon their horses: they made none other tarrying: but gave the spurs to their horses, and ran one against an other and smote each other in their shields so sore: that the spears flew in pieces without that any of them fell on the ground. And when they had broken their spears: they set hand unto their swords. Than Aymonet that held Flamberge in his hand said unto Yonnet his brother. I pray you brother think to do well. For if ye help me, they shallbe utterly shamed and discomfited as traitors as they been. Brother said Yonnet doubt not, for I shall never fail you to the death, & also we ought to recomfort us. For we been in the right, and they be in the wrong. When the two brethren had spoke enough: they went both at ones upon their enemies, with their swords in their hands. And than Aymonet overtook Constans with flamberge his sword, and gave him such a stroke that the sword slided upon the visor, and kut it and his nose a sunder. And when Aymonet saw that the nose of his enemy fall to the earth: he mocked him & said to him. By god Constans it is worse with you than it was afore, for ye shall never been without a mock, for that, that this stroke hath done unto you, for Flamberge slew your father, and so shall it do you & it please god. And when Rohars saw that his brother was so sore wounded: he ran upon Yonnet and gave him so mighty a stroke upon his helm: so that if it had not been of good fine steel: he had slain him without fail. This hanging: Aymonet ran again upon Constans and gave him such a stroke upon his helm, that he made him for to bow his back upon the saddle, & for the great might of the stroke: the horse must for veri need fall down upon his knees, and smote his mussel into the earth. And when that the horse felt that stroke: he rose lightly up again all afraid, and began for to run thoroghe the meadows maugre of his master as mad, nor Constans had not the might for to rule him: because he was amazed and a stonied of that stroke, that he had received. And than Aymonet and Yonnet went both upon Rohars, and began to far foul with him, and when Rohars saw himself so sharply handled: he began to cry with a high voice. Brother where be you, shall ye let me thus to be slain falsely? Constans that ran through the meadow was comen again to himself and appeased his horse a little heard his brother cry. So came he again to him: and smote Aymonet upon his helm a great stroke, but the helm was good, and damaged him not. And when that Constans saw that he had not slain Aymonet with his stroke: he wend to have gone out of his wit, & of the other part: he saw the place that was all covered with the blood of his brother, so wist not constans what to do. For Aymonet gave him so much to do.  
This hanging: Yonnet took Rohars by the helm, & would have strangled him by fine force. But when Constans saw that: he spurred his horse with the spurs, and showed him between Rohars & Yonnet, so that it was force to yonnet to let go his prize would he or no. And when Aymonet saw that Constans had delivered Rohars from the hands of yonnet: he went & ran upon Constans and smote him with flamberge upon the shield so hard that he made of it two pieces. Shortly to speak: the children of reynald hasted so much the two sons of Foulques that they began to lose place, & were so weary, that they asked none other thing: but for to rest themself. But Aymonet & yonnet had none other will: but for to fight still, & I tell you for certain that they were all four sore wounded that they lost much blood for they had fought long. And when Constans had sojourned a little: he came upon Aymonet and gave him such a stroke: so that he made him a great wound, but no dead wound. And when Aymonet saw him so wounded: he gave Constans so great a stroke upon the ear: that he bore it away withal the jaw bone, when charlemayne saw that great stroke: he might not forbear, but he said. By god now is he worse arrayed than he was before, for the two sons of Foulques of morillon been shamed and confused. Sir said reynald they have well deserved it, for they have forsworn themself falsely. This hanging: Yonnet went upon Rohars, and gave him so great a stroke upon his helm: that he broke it, and made his sword to enter in his head a finger deep. Wit it that the battle lasted long the one against the other, and it happened that by force of fight, the one against the other: they were fighting two & two together, well a bow shot from each other, and so made they two battles, for aymonet fought against Constans, & yonnet fought against Rohars, which was sore grieved, for Yonnet had brought him to the earth And when yonnet saw that he had brought down rohars: he said that it were shame to fight with him on horseback against him on foot, so lighted he down for to fight with Rohars. But when he had habandonned his horse: In continent the said horse ran to the horse of Rohars and would have strangled him. And when Charlemagne saw that: he began to laugh with it and said, by my faith we have three battles. But I see well that Yonnet hath brought Rohars so low that he may no more. when Rohars saw that he might no more endure the great strokes of Yonnet: he began to cry and said Ha fair brother Constans, where are ye that ye come not & help me that are so good a knight, and that took first the quarrel in hand, whereof it goeth full evil with us. For if ye secure me not now: I shall die incontinent And when Constans heard his brother cry thus: he left Aymonet, and went toward Yonnet, for to help his brother, but wit it well that he went not very sound from Aymonet, for he had made him more than xx. wounds. And when Constans was come to his brother: incontinent he ran upon Yonnet with his horse. And when Aymonet saw that: he began to cry after Constans and said. By my soul he baptized you full ill the named you Constans. For I saw never more toward than ye be that so runneth away for fear of me, & when he had said so: he ran after for to secure his brother yonnet. And when he was come there: he went a fresh upon Constans, & Constans upon him, the which gave him a great stroke upon his helm but the stroke slided upon the horse and slew him withal. And when Aymonet haw him a ground: he righted him quickly & smote Constans upon his helm and it was so hard that flamberge could not enter in it & the stroke slided upon the vizor & braced it, and a great part of his visage, so that the teeth were seen plainly, and with that fell the stroke upon the horse neck, so that he kit it in two pieces, and so fell the horse dead to the earth.  
SOre abashed was Constans when he saw his horse slain, and than Aymonet said to him. By god false traitor now shalt thou die, ye did ill when ye called ever my father of treason, which is as true a knight as is any in all the world, but now is the day come that ye shall abye it full dear. And when reynald heard his son speak thus: he was right glad of it, & thanked God thereof hertlye, & when Aymonet saw Constans upon his feet again: he went him upon, and hasted him right sore with strokes so that Constans had no power to strike one stroke more, but he went aback here and there for to eschew the strokes of Aymonet. And when Constance saw that he wist no more what to do: he cast his shield to the earth, and took Aimonet by the waste for to wrestle with him. And when aymonet saw this he was not afearie of it, for he was strong and light so took he Constans by the helm, and drew it toward him with such might that he pulled it from the head of him. And when Constans saw him so sore handled: he cried upon his brother Rohars & said. Ha brother secure me, for I have no power for to defend myself. When Rohars heard his brother call thus: he was full sorry that he might not help him for he had lost so much blood that he might not well stand upon his feet but always he forced himself so much that he came unto his brother Constans, and wend to have smitten Aymonet from behind, but he did not because Aymonet saw him come, & went and smote him such a stroke that he felled him to the earth. And than went again upon Constans, and gave him such a stroke that he smote almost his left arm of.  
Than began Constans to cry and said. Ha fair brother secure me: or else I am dead. Brother said Rohars I can give you neither succours nor help, for I am myself near gone, and when charlemain saw this: he said, by god now are dead the sons of Foulques or morillon by their false wit. Sir said Ogier ye ought not to reck, for they maintained a false quarrel, ye say troth said charlemain. Now their falsehood appeareth well. When reynald saw that his children were to their above: he was right glad of it. but so was not Guanellon, for he was so angry for it: that he became as black as a moor. Then called the said Guanellon Berenger, Hardock, Henry of Lion and Pignabell of Moryllon and said to them. lords now be we all dishonoured, for the sons of Foulques of Morillon are discomfited, I would fain secure them if I durst but I fear to sore the king that is there with great puissance. Sir said Hardres or Hardocke, woe is me for it, but we can not do none other thing as for this time, therefore we must refrain our wrath, & show a good face, to the end that no meddling fall not upon us, & let us abide till time come, that we may avenge us thereof.  
THis hanging: Aimonet saw that he had smitten Constans a dead wound: so was he right glad of it, by god brother ye have done ill that ye have slain this false traitor, for I would have slain him with mine own hands, but sith ye have brought it so far: make an end of him at once and I shall go slay Rohars. Brother said Aymonet ye speak well, now go slay the one and I the other, for thus ought men to do with traitors. Than ran the two brethren upon their enemies that lay on the ground, that is to wit upon Constans to whom he said all on high, because all they that looked upon should hear it. Tell me Constans false traitor, why did ye call my father of treason? Withstanding that men know well that he is one of the truest knights of the world. And that he slew your father in his body defending. Where as your father had purchased for to have slain him by treason. Now tell me your falsehood and confess your treason afore the king, or else I shall now cut your throat. Aymonet said Constans, for god have merci on me For I yield me to you, and than he took him his sword. And when Aymonet had the sword of the said constans: he took him up & brought him afore the king Charlemagne, to whom he said, Sir hold this traitor & do with him as reason requireth, and when Charlemagne saw this: he was glad of it and said to Aymonet, friend ye have done well your devoir. I can no more ask of you. And wit it that when the other is vaynquisshed: I shall make them both to be hanged,  
Sir said Aymonet, do your will with them. And when he had said so: he went again to his brother Yonnet for to help him holding his sword in his hand all bloody with the blood of Constans and said to Rohars, by God false traitor ye shall die here anon, and would have smitten him but Yonnet that saw that: said to his brother. Fair brother slay him not, nor touch him, but go your way and test yourself, for I will conquer him by myself as ye have done yours, brother said Aymonet ye say ill, for it was ordained that we should each help other, and when Yonnet saw that his brother would needs help against his will: he said to him. Fair brother I make mine avow to god, if ye touch Rohars: I shall never love you, brother said Aymonet, ye say not well, but I shall forbear me sith it please you so, but I promise you if I see you in danger: I shall help you if ye should slay me, brother said yonnet I will well, & than Aymonet withdrew him a little aback, and than ran yonnet upon Rohars, that rose up again for to defend himself, than gave yonnet to him so great a stroke upon the shoulder: that the arm with the shoulder bone fell clean of to the ground and his sword withal. when yonnet had given that stroke: he put his sword again into the sheeths & said to Rohars, the false traitor that must now confess with thine own mouth that reynald my father is no traitor, but he is one of the truest knights of the world, and if thou wilt not do so: thou shalt die incontinent. And when he had said so: he took Rohars by the helm and pulled him to him ward so hard that he drew it fro his head, and begun for to smite him with the pommel of his sword upon the bare head. And when Rohars saw that he was so shrewdly handled: he began for to cry & said good lord have mercy upon mi soul for I know well that it is done with my body. And when Constans heard his brother say so: he began to weep for he could none other do. And when yonnet saw that Rohars would not forsake that he had said, nor would not cry him mercy: he smote him with his own sword so hard that he took away the one leg from the body of him. And than he put his foot upon him and said. Now anon false traitor confess your falsehood, or else ye been now dead, to the which thing Rohars answered not. And when yonnet saw that: he smote him the head of. When Aymonet saw that his brother yonnet had slain Rohars: he was right glad of it, and went to him and said. Brother ye have done valiantly, lord gramercy that ye have slain so this traitor, the two brethren took each other by the hand and went to charlemagne, to whom Aymonet said in this wise. Sir like it you that we have done, for we be redi for to do much more for you, if ye command us. Fair sons said charlemain ye need not for to do more. For ye have done enough, for Constans is overcomen, & Rohars dead. Now go rest yourself, and see that ye have good leeches for your wounds. And I promise you that I shall do with the traitors as it appertaineth, and than Charlemagne commanded that Constans should be hanged, and the body of his brother by him, & when the king had given this commandment: Constans was anon taken and the body of his brother, & were drawn at horses tails before all their lineage, and than were hanged as they had well deserved, when they were hanged: Charlemagne said Lords wit that I would not for a great thing that it went otherwise. wit it that when Guanellon saw hang the sons of Foulques that were his nephews: he was sore an angered for it that he almost had lost his wit. Than called he Hardres Berenger & Malger that will more falsehood than Lucifer, Henry of Lion, Pygnabell & Geffray, men that never did good and said to them. Lords ye see how Charlemagne hath done to us great dishonour, for he hath done hang our kinsmen shamefully, but we shall see yet the day that this shame shallbe avenged he said troth the traitor. For he betrayed afterward the xii Peers of France, and made them all die at the battle of Rouncevales.  
AFter these things above said Reinaud of Mountawban saw that his children had vainequisshed the children of Foulques: he was right glad of it & thanked much our lord god thereof, than he and his brethren went to them and asked how they did? father said the children we do right well lord gramercy. Than Alarde & Guicharde beheld their wounds whereof they were glad. This hanging: came there charlemagne and the children came him against & kneeled afore him, than charmayne asked them, children how is it with you be ye sore wounded? Sir said the children it is well with us thanked be our lord & you: we shall soon be whole. Than the king sent for all the leeches & said to them that they should look the wounds of Aymonet & of Yonnet, the which thing they did without any tarrying, & after they said to the king that they made no doubt of them & that they should be soon whole. And after that the justice was done of the sons of Foulques of Morillon: reynald abode in Paris till his children were whole, & when they were whole: they went to the palace to see the king Charlemagne, the which made them good cheer & gave them many fair gifts as been castles & fortresses of great name, than reynald and his brethren asked leave of the king, & he gave it them against his will, & prayed them that they would come see him again, sir said reynald, we shall do gladly your commandment. When reynald had taken leave of the king and also his brethren & children: they took on their way toward mountawban, and they did so much by their journeys that they came to bourdews And when reynald had rest him a little: he called his children afore his brethren and said to them, my children, hear what I will say to you. I ordain at this time that yonnet shall have arden for his part and Aymonet Mountawban, for it is not long a go sith I heard say that god said, that the tree that beareth fruit: shall never die, wit it that I have offended god greatli, and me seemeth that the time is now come that I should amend myself. for I fear sore my poor soul, wherefore I shall do my devour for to yield it again to the blessed lord that made it after his Image, & when his brethren heard speak this: they know well what he would do, and therefore they began to make great sorrow. And when reinawde saw that he said to them, forsooth sirs ye are not wise to make such sorrow, for ye know not yet, what I will do, see ye not that I am yet with you? Whereof are ye abashed? be not ye rich enough? there is neither of you but may keep a thousand horses in his stable. Of the other part, though I am now whole of my body thanked be our lord, yet will I give in my life to my children their part, to the end that they fall not in discord after my death, and therefore I will that each of you know from henceforthon what he shall have. And when reynald had thus ordained for his children: yonnet departed from his father with his blessing, & went to arden, where they of the land received him to be their lord and made to him fewte & homage. And after that Yonnet was gone: reynald & his brethren with Aymonet went to Mountawban, and when they of Mountawban saw their lord: they were glad & received him honourably. And when the feast was passed: Reinaud commanded all his subjects that they should make their homage unto his son Aymonet, & when all this was done, & that night was come: every man went to bed, & than reynald entered his chamber & walked in it till it was midnight passed, than reynald uncle theo himself all naked, & took a cote of sorry russet upon his flesh without any shirt, & thereupon a great mantle of the same. And thus arrayed barefoot & without any weapon (but only a staff in his hand to defend him from the dogs) issued out of his chamber, & went out of the palace & came to the gate of the town, and made it to be opened, & when the porter saw his lord so ill & in so poorly array & barefoot: he said to him. Sir alas whether go ye thus without fellowship, & so ill appointed? I will go awake your brethren & my lord your son, for ye be in great danger of thieves because ye have neither armour nor weapon for to defend yourself, friend said reynald let alone, go not there. For my trust is in god that he shall keep me from all danger. But thou shalt tell my brethren when thou seest them to morrow that I greet them well, & to my son also, and that they think always to do well, & that they lo●e each other as they ought for to do, and so tell them that they shall never see me more as I well trow. For I go to save my soul if God give me the grace to do so, & so shall I die when it please god, for through mi cause are dead many a man, whereof I feel my poor soul grieved sore, & therefore will I bear pain on my body for it, doing penance all the remnant of my life, and if I may save my soul: I ask none other thing. And when reynald had said this: he looked on his finger & took a ring with a precious stone, which was well worth .v. mark & gave it to the porter & said to him, my friend ye be well rewarded of your service that ye have done to me. Sir said the porter gramercy of this gift, but alas sir ye put now all your country in great sorrow for your departing, & than he began to weep right sore.  
This hanging: went reynald on his way thus arrayed as ye have heard, and as he went: the porter looked evermore after him by the light as long as he might see him, & when he might no more see him: he fell down in a swoon to the earth, and was thus a long while & when he was come again to himself: he made great moan, & sith said. Ha God whether goth now my lord so poorly arrayed? & after he had made great sorrow a long while: he shut the gate again and went into his house. And when he was there: he looked upon the ring that reynald had given him, and knew well that it was a rich gift, whereof he was glad. ¶ We shall leave here to speak a little of the valiant reynald of Mountawban, that goth for to save his soul, and to do penance for his sins thorough the woods looking downward: and we shall speak of his brethren, and of his son Aymonet.   

¶ How after that reynald was gone from Mountawban never to return his brethren and his son Aymonet made great sorrow, when they knew of it, that he had not take leave of them   depiction of a male figure with a pilgrim's hat, staff, and rosary beads walking away from a castle with a figure in the doorway 
NOw showeth the history that when the morrow came and that Aymonet & his uncles were up they went to the church weening to have reynald there as they were wont. And when they saw him come not to matins: they marveled sore there was come his chapeleyne for to say matins there with him, the which when he found not his master in the church: he was all abashed and spered after him to his brethren. Sir said Alarde, I ween he be sick for god let us go see how he doth, and than he went to seek him in his chamber, where they found him not, whereof they wend all to have been desperate. Lords said Alarde now be we lost, for here been his gowns his shertꝭ his shone his sword and all his armours, now is he gone from us. I see it well in poor arai, god be with him. And as they were thus making their moan: came in the porter that made great sorrow for the love of his master reynald. And when he was come in to the chamber: he began to cry as he had be from himself & said. Fair lords what shall we do sith that we have lost our lord? For he is gone his ways wulwarde & barefoot with a sorry staff in his hand, & he sendeth you greeting by me, & prayeth you for god that if ever ye loved him: that ye will worship each other and that every man have his part as he hath devised it. And he doth you wit that ye shall never see him, for he is gone to save his soul, & so hath he given me the ring of his finger, that ye may see here.  
When Alarde, Guicharde and Richard, & Aymonet heard these tidings: they took so great sorrow at the heart that they fell down in a swoon to the earth, & when they were come again to themselves: they began to make a right great sorrow and so marvelous that he that had seen it: his heart had be full hard, but he should have wept for pity. Alas said Alarde my fair brother reynald, ye have left us in much great sorrow. Certes it had be much better for us that ye had slain us all, than for to have left us in this wife. For from hens forth we be no thing. And when he had said so: he fell again in a swoon. And when he was come again to himself: he pulled his heres of his beard and scratched his visage. Alas my brother said richard how shall we now live without you? Alas now have we lost him by whom we have had so great honour in this world, alas my brother there is not your like under the cope of heaven that ever bare sword, shield or spear, sith that we have lost you: we may say farewell the joy of this world, & when he had said so: his heart swelled so that he lost his speech so that he could not speak a good while after. Of Aymonet and of guichard, what shall we say? I promise you none can tell ne rehearse half of the sorrow that they made, so that it was great pity to behold. Great sorrow was made of all four for the love of reynald that was gone as ye have heard, praying our lord to be with him and for to recomfort his brethren ¶ But presently leaveth the history to speak of Alarde, Guicharde, richard and Aymonet that were at Mountawban making their moan and returneth to speak of reynald that was gone at his adventure, seeking his breed for to save his soul.   

¶ How reynald went to Coleyn upon the Rind, where he found that men edified the church of saint Peter. And there took him a will for to serve there the masons for the love of our lord, and did so, but at the last the other labourers had so great envy because he did better his devoir than they and that he was better loved than they of the masters, for the good service that he did: that the slew him and put him in a sack and casted him in the water of the rind But by the will of god: his body appeared above the water making great miracles, so that he was named a Saint that day that he was buried.  
IN this party showeth the history that when reynald was departed from mountawban: he took his way through the woods & went a long while that he eat but Apples and Meddlers wild all that day, and when the night was come: he laid him down under a tree, and as he would sleep: he made the sign of the cross upon him, and commended to our lord and slept till it was day. And when the day appeared: Reinaud rose up & went on his ways through the wood, and went ever more through the travers of the woods well the space of viii days without any other meat, but wild fruit and so long he went by his journeys: that he came out of the woods and incontinent he found a house of religion where he abode that night, the monks would have given him meat but he took nothing but bread and water. And when the day came: he went on his way, & did so much day by day that he came to Coleyne upon the rind, and when reynald was come to the City: he found the church of saint Peter a making, where were many masons and many labourers that served them. And when he saw this: he went into it, and kneeled before the high altar and made his prayers by great devotion And as he was thus kneeling full busily about his orisons: It came suddenly into his mind that he would abide there and serve the masons for the honour of god & of saint Peter. And when he had made his prayer: he rose up & began to look the place well & upon the workmen that wrought there, and said to himself that it was better to serve the Masons, than to walk still in the forest among the wild beasts. & when reynald had bethought him well: he went to the master mason and said to him. Master I am a stranger and have no goods of the world, whereof I may live, if it please you I shall serve the Masons of such things as them needeth for their work as a poor labourer needeth, and when the master mason heard reynald speak so: and saw he was a tall man and well made: he answered to him sweetly in this wise. My friend ye seem not to be issued of a poor house, for ye are more like a king than a mason or a labourer.  
wherefore I dare not put you in work by no wise. Notwithstanding that ye be thus poorly arrayed. Master said reynald, care ye not therefore for and it pity you: I shall serve you truly af●er my power. My friend said the master of the work, sith it please you to do so: it pleaseth me right well, but I will not retain you for that prize that I do knaves, for I shall pay you in conscience, after the work that ye shall do, master said reynald I am well content. Than the master mason said to him, my friend go help these four that ye see there, that may not bear the stone, for they be but truants, master laid Reynaw●e, be not angry with the poor folk, for I will go fetch it to you anon, friend said the master pain not your s●lfe thereto, for it is not in your puissance without ye had more help than thilk knaves. For the stone is of great weight, master let me alone said reynald I shall bring it to you, and when reynald had said so: he cast his mantel fro him & came to the four men that held the stone and said to them Lords and it please you, go fetch another stone, and I shall bear the same, friend said the four men ye say well if ye can, & we will let you do with a good will. Than reynald took up the stone and charged it upon his neck, and bore it upon the wall where it should be set, and when the other labourers saw that: they were abashed & marveled greatly of it, and begun to say the one to the other here is wonder fro whence may this devil become, we shall never win but a little as long as he is with us here. And when the master masons saw reynald bear so great a stone & so heavy: he was glad of it. And when reynald had brought the stone there as he should be set the master said to him, friend put not down the stone yet from you. Sir said Reynawd I shall well hold it in my arms as long as ye will, than the master made the place redi there as the stone should be set, & when he was ready: he said to reynald, let go the stone my friend when ye will, and blessed be god & the hour that ever ye were borne, & when reynald had set down the stone: the master commanded him that he should fet him mortar, with a good will said reynald. Than came Reynawde down and jaded of the mortar more than ten other men should have done, & bore it to the master mason & said to him. Master care not for nothing for I shall serve you well of all thing that ye need by the grace of god, and see that ye work as fast as ye can for I shall bring you more stones and mortar myself alone than ye shall con occupy; but ye haste you well. And when the master Mason heard reynald speak thus: he was marveled and said. By my soul friend if ye do half that ye say: ye shall do enough. Then went reynald again and brought up so many stones that he made with it a great heap upon the walls enough for to occupy at ones all the masons that were there, and than reynald said to them. Fair masters think to work well, for when these stones been laid and this mortar occupied I shall bring you more. And when the masons heard him speak so: they began to say among them that the church of saint Peter had found a good labourer, & that he ought to be well rewarded, By my faith master said reynald I care not for no money. And when came at even that the labourers should leave work & receive their money: the Master Mason set him down for to pay the labourers, which took .v. penis a day. Than the master called reynald and said to him, come hither my fair friend and take here what it please you, for ye have served better than any of tother, than put himself forth, & took a penny sore against his will. And when the master saw that: he said to him, by the body of God my fair friend ye shall have twenty more for else my conscience should be charged with your labour, and if ye will work: ye shall every day have so much, for there was never so good a labourer as ye be one, Master said reynald if ye will that I shall work any more: give me but one penny, which shall be for to buy bread for to sustain with all my body, for this that I do: I do it for the love of God & for none other. Friend said the Master, I will not trouble you no more, do as ye will. Than took reynald leave of the master Mason and went to the town for to get himself a lodging and bought a penny worth of bread, and so had he no more to his supper but bread and a little water.  
And when he had eaten: he went and laid him upon a little straw for to take his rest that night, and when the day was come: Reynawd rose up and went to his work and found no body there, and than he went to the Church and said his prayers afore an image of our Lady. This hanging: the Masons came for to go to their work. And when they were upon the wall: they asked if the strong man were not come. Master answered reynald I am here will ye any thing? Friend said than the master Mason, bring us stones and mortar. Sir said reynald I shall with a good will and that anon. Than set he stones and mortar in great plenty, and brought it up unto them. And I promise you that reynald jaded more at one's than xv. other did, and thus served Reynawde the masons in the church of saint Peter at Coleyn many days and every day at even he took his penny of the master and no more for to by him bread with as ye have heard for he eat never but bread & drank water. Thus lived reynald there a long while serving there the masons as it is said, for the love of god and of saint Peter, and did so truly his devoir that the other labourers had great envy at him, for they were all set at nought (for the love of him) of the masons, for the great service that he did to them. Sore an angered were the other labourers when they saw that they were all thus forsaken & all set a side and said to each other in this wise. By god we been defamed by this great knave that doth so much labour, and therefore we be put a side of the masters, the great devil brought him well here, for we shall never get nothing as long as he is here, for he serveth all the Masons alone of all that they need for to have & thus we been left alone.  
Then said one of them, my fellows if ye will believe me: we shall slay him How say ye that said another? ye wots well it is impossible to us to do so, for he is horrible strong, and if we fet upon him: he shall kill us all. Friend said he I shall tell you how we shall do so. See you yonder vault by the great house? Yea said tother. Wit it that the great knave goeth & sleepeth there every night when we are gone home. And therefore if ye will believe me: We shall go this night there where he is a sleep, and we shall take each of us a Pikeaxe, or else an hamer, and therewith we shall dash the brain out of his head, and when we have thus slain him: we shall put him in a great sack and shall cast him within the river, that is there nigh, & thus shallbe no more heard of him. And when the other labourers heard this traitor speak they accorded all to his counsel, and they did as they were purposed sooner than they wend they should have do. For at noon when the Masons left work and went to their dinner: the poor Reynawd went and rested himself under the vault, where he was wont to rest himself every night. And when the traitors saw that: they came to him that first had spoken the treason and took him a great hamer of a mason in his hand. And when they spied that Reynawd was fallen a sleep: this traitor with the hamer went to reynald softly and smote him with the hamer well deep into the brain. And when reynald felt the stroke that the traitor had given him: he set his arms in manner of a cross upon his breast and said in this manner. O good lord jesus christ have mercy on my soul, and will pardon them that hath brought me to my death, and when he had said these words: the soul departed out of the body. And when the traitor had thus slain reynald: they put him in to a great sack that they had ordained therefore, and than they jaded the cart wherein they brought the stones with the body of him, and so carried him into the river of Ryne, wherein they cast him, & when they had done so: they jaded the cart with stones & brought them to the church work as they were wont to do, & as they were by the way: they met the master mason, that said to them. By my faith galantes I con you now thank for ye mend yourself. For ye have done great diligence sith dinner that ye have laden so many stones, and that ye been so far with them to the work ward. Master said the traitors mock not with us so, but go to your purse and give us some drinking money.  
SOre marveled was the master of that he saw his labourers more diligent than they were accustomed. Than the labourers began to say to the master of the work by manner of a mock, where is that great lurden that he helpeth not now I hold him gone without leave, by cause he might not labour no longer, for we heard say that he should never cease till he had found his wife again. And when the master mason heard that: he was sorry and said to them again. By my faith I believe that ye have chased him away, but I promise you if I can wit that ye have done so: it were better for you that ye were at Iherusalem. Master said the labourers ye may well say to us what ye will, but we did never say aught to him that should displease him. And when the noble reynald was thus cast into the river of Ryne by the labourers of the church of saint Peter: ye must wit that he went not to the bottom of the water, but went hard above the water a long the stream. And at that: our Lord showed for him a fair miracle. For all the fish of the river gathered them about the corpse, and by the strength of the fishes it was tarried, and went no ferther with the stream by the will of our lord. And the great fishes put themself under him and bore him upon the water so that he appeared to every man's sight. And there the fishes bore him so up unto night. And when the night was come: appeared about the corpse a great quantity of torches by the virtue of our lord, & angels that song there so melodiously: that they that heard it would never have gone fro it. And to say troth there was so great light about the corpse that all they that saw it wend that all the water of the Ryne had be a fire. And when the folk of the city saw so great a miracle: they ran all thither both men and women and children. And also the archbishop of saint Peter we● thither with all his college in a fair procession, singing by great devotion, and tarried upon the Ryne, for they durst not go no ferther, and they saw the fishes that bore up the Corpse above the water. And when they that were there saw that: they were abashed & marveled greatly what it might be, and began to say the one to the other. God what may he be, for whom our lord showeth so fair a miracle? Lords said the archbishop. I shall tell you as mine advice giveth me. Wit it that it is the body of some saint that our Lord will have worshipped that is come here from some where, which God will not that he be lost, nor drowned in the water. See ye not how the fishes hold him above the water, by the virtue of our lord. Than the bishop commanded that men should go see what it was, and anon folk went there with boats, & they found that it was the great man that was one of the labourers with the masons in the church of saint Peter. And when the master of the work saw this: he was greatly abashed, and went to them that had slain him, & said to them in this manner of wise. Ye horesons false traitors, ye have slain the good man, say ye the troth, for if ye deny it: I shall prove it upon you. And when the labourers heard the master mason speak thus: they begun to cry, and said. By God master, we have done it without doubt for envy that we had at him. And therefore let us be drowned, hanged or drawn, or what justice ye will. For we have well deserved for to be punished. And when the archbishop heard the traitors speak so: he began for to weep full tenderly, and all his college also. And the archbishop was counseled that he should let go the murderers at their adventure for to do penance for their sins, the which thing the archbishop did with a good will. Than was the body of reynald brought to land, and was put upon a cart for to bear him to the church, where as he was had worshipfully with fair procession. And when the corpse was in the church: the archbishop made him ready for to sing the mass by great devotion. And when that the service was done: the archbishop would have gone a procession with the corpse about the church, & commanded four lords that were there that they should bear the corpse. And than the barons would have done his commandment, but when they came thereto: they could not move the corpse by no strength that they could put thereto. Sore marveled were the barons, when they saw that, and said unto each other. Now may we well know that we be not worthy for to touch this holy corpse. For we be wicked sinners wherefore let us go for to shrive us & put ourself in good estate. And while that they spoke thus together: the corpse rose up of himself, and was borne, no man knoweth how out of the church into the cart, which anon moved and went his ways straight out of the city, whereof they were all greatly marveled, and when the cart was out of Coleyne: he went a pace all the high way. And when the people saw that: they begun all to weep because the corpse would not abide. Than said the archbishop unto them. Sirs now may ye well see that this is a holy corpse by the great miracles that our Lord showeth by him now, and all this day afore us all. Wherefore let us go after him for to worship him. For it were not very well done for to let him go thus alone. My lord said the people, ye say well, & than all the clergy and all the common people little and great that might go: followed the corpse. And ye ought to wit that in all the city of Coleyn abode neither man nor woman, but went with the corpse and all the clergy followed after singing in great devotion. So much went the cart that he came to a little town that is called Croyne, and there he abode still. And ye must wit that our lord did show there many fair miracles for the love of the holy body, for all sick people of what sickness it was that came there for to worship the holy body: Were whole incontinent. This happened of the noble knight reynald of mountawban, as ye have heard. And ye ought to wit that the renome of the holy body was so spread all about, that folk came to Croyne where it abode from far ways for to seek him, and he made there so fair miracles: that of all the Realm and of almain folk drew thither. And so much were worth the offerings that were done there within a short while: that of a little chapel there as the body rested, which was of our lady, is now a royal church and a great. And when the holy body was abiden in this little chapel as it is said, where god made continually miracles: the archbishop of Coleyn & all the clergi came to the corpse & uncovered his visage that every body should see him that came there, if haply the any man or woman might know him for to have his name, for none could name him, but the holy corpse. But there came no man that could know. And when the archbishop saw that no body could say what he was: he was sorry for it, for if he had known his name: he would have put him in a shrine of gold, because of the great miracles that he made daily, for he made the deaf to hear, the blind to see, the lame to go & right many that were dumb he made to speak, & often times appeared tapres of wax brenning about the corpse.  
NOw shall ye hear how the noble reynald was known. Ye ought to wit that the brethren of reynald, that is to wit Alarde, Guicharde & Richard were on a day upon mountain so sorry that they could hear no tidings of their brother reynald. Than came a pilgrim forth by that salved the barons. pilgrim said Alarde, fro whence come ye? if ye wots any tidings tell it us I pray you. Lords said the pilgrim with a good will I shall tell you that I know. Wit it that I come out of Almain, from a town that is called Croyne by Coleyne upon the ryne, where I have seen many great miracles done of god, for the love of a man that came to the City but late ago, the which was so great that every body said there that he was a giant. And wit ye that when he came there: that he saw men make the church of saint Peter, so did he present there his service to the master mason, the which retained him gladly. Shortly for to say: this great man did wonder of bearing of stones and of mortar. For he bore more at ones: than xu other of the labourers that were there with him, and he was all day without meat save at even: he took a penny that he gate, for no more he would have for his labour a day, and therewith he bought him a penny lose, and drank none other to it, but water, and than he went to his rest upon a little straw under a great vault. And ye must wit, that this great man was well loved of the masters masons of the said church, which would often have given him meat and wine, & more money. But he would never take nothing but a penny only by the day, for to buy himself a penny loaf as I told you afore. He served so well all the masons there that they were more content of him alone: then of the other labourers. And when the labourers saw that they were so little set by for the love of this great man: they were sore an angered, and took great envy at him and conspired together for to slay him shamefully.  
So did they espy him where as he slept under the vault, while that the master masons were gone to their dinner: and then one of them came to him with great hamer in his hand and brained him, than they put him in a sack and carried him in a cart to the river of the Ryne, where they cast him. And wit it that when they had done so: our lord showed there a great miracle. For all the fishes of the Ryne assembled them about the corpse, and made it abide in one place above the water. And when that the night was come: angels were heard there, which song melodiously the service of the dead so high: that all they of the City might have heard them, and it seemed that all the water about him had been in a fire of the great light that was seen there. Than came the archbishop of Coleyne with all his college and made the corpse to be taken and brought in a Cart to the Church. And when he was there: the archbishop song mass, for this was in the morning, and when that the service was done: the archbishop said to four Lords which were there, that they should take up the corpse for to have him into his grave with fair prosessyon. But these four barons could never move him from the place where as he was. But the corpse incontinent to every body's sight, that was there, was brought into the cart again, with the twinkling of an eye, and suddenly the cart departed, and went away alone out of the town, as good a pace as though ten horses had drawn at it, which was sore against the will of the people that wept full tenderly, because that it would not a bide with them. But all they of the city, both little and great went a procession after it, unto a little town where the corpse of the great man abode still which is called Croyne in a little chapel of our lady, where he doth now many a fair miracle, for I ensure you that all the sick folks that seek him there be made whole, & return to their home in good health. And so I have left there the archbishop of Coleyne, and all the clergy that hath do make of the offerings that been given there unto this holy corpse a fair place and a royal church, there as the said chapel of our lady was afore.  
When Alarde, Guicharde and richard, heard the pilgrim speak so: they began all three to weep full sore for pity that they had of their brother reynald, for well they knew, it was he of whom the pilgrim spoke of. Alas my brethren said richard. Now been with well destroyed, and undone for ever more. For I know well that it is out dear brother that we have sought so long. Wit it that the three brethren made there so great sorrow, that it cannot be rehearsed. And when they had made this great sorrow: they took leave of the pilgrim and thanked him, and went to make them ready, & than took their way toward Croyne, by Coleyne upon the Ryne. And they did so much by their journeys: that they came unto Croyne.  
And lighted before the church they and their folk, where they found so great flowing and gathering of the people and so great press of folk: that with great pain they might entre within the Church. And when the knights were within: they went nigh the holy corpse that was upon a fair bear all uncovered, and saw so great light about the corpse as there had been an hundred torches Than went they as nigh him as they could for to look him in the face and anon they knew that he was their brother, & with that they looked upon him: they fell down in a swoon to the earth. And when the archbishop saw that: he was sore abashed and said to some of his college. Sirs I believe that we shall soon know that we have desired so long. For I ween that these lords know well this holy corpse. This hanging: were the three brethren comen again to themself, and began to cry and far as they had been mad, than said Alarde all weeping in this manner, Alas what shall we now caitiffs knights do, poor of honour and of all we'll, sith that we have lost our brother by whom we were so sore doubted and dread? Alas dear brother who was so hardy to lay hand on you? I believe that he knew not your debonayrtie & kindness, for he would not have slain you so cruelty. And than he turned him toward his two brethren and said. My fair brethren we ought well to be sorry, sith that we have lost our brother Reinaud that was all our hope our trust and comfort. Alas said richard, brother Reinaud why had ye ever that courage for to abandon us as ye did: seeing that ye loved us so much? Alas ye stolen away yourself by night, for to come among the hands of the murderers, that have slain you so cruelly. Alas they wist not the great damage that is of your death. when the three brethren had wept enough in great sobbings and lamentations, for the love of their dear brother reynald: they went & kissed the corpse on the mouth, the one after the other, and with this they fell down again in swoon. And when they were come again to themself: richard began to cry and say. Alas fair brethren, now been we lost for ever. For we shall no more be set by, neither doubted, nor dread more than children, wherefore I say that we should slay ourself, to the end that we may be with you, for we ought not to live after your death. Wit it that who had be there he should have had an hard heart but he should have wept for to see the three brethren make their moan.  
When the archbishop and the Burgeys that were there saw the great sorrow that the three knights made: the good archbishop came to them and said, Lords be ye not disposed of that I shall say to you. Sirs to my seeming, ye do not well for to make so great sorrow nor to discomfort yourself so much as ye do, but rather ye should make great joy, and be glad for your brother that is a saint in heaven, the which had suffered martyrdom in the service of our lord, whereof ye may see that he rewardeth him well for it. For ye see now before your eyen the great miracles that he doth, wherefore I pray you that ye will recomfort yourself. And tell us if it please you what ye been, and how is this holy body named, and what his name was when he lived in this world to the end that his name be written about his tomb? And when his brethren heard the archbishop speak thus: they began a little to leave their sorrow. And than Alarde that was th'elder after reynald said to him Lord sith it please you to know what we be and how this corpse is called: I shall tell it you without fault. Ye must wit that this corpse was called (when he was among us alive) reynald of Mountawban the right worthy knight, and we three that been here are his brethren, and well I wots that ye have heard speak of the four sons of Aymon, the which Charlemagne the great king of France warred so long. Than when the archbishop and the people heard that they were the four sons of Aymon, of the which all the world spoke, and that the holy corpse was the good reynald of Mountawban the noble and valiant knight: they began all to weep for pity and for joy, because they saw all before them the most noble & worthiest knight of the world, that in his life was more to dread than any man alive, that was dead in the service of our lord, doing penance. After that these three brethren had thus left a little their sorrow: they made their brother to be laid in his tomb, that was right rich, that the archbishop had done make where the holy corpse resteth yet at this day as evidently is known, and he is called saint reynald the martyr. The memory of him was that time put in writing auctentykly, & every year is there kept for him great solemnity and feast. And after the sepulturing of the holy corpse: the brethren went again into their own Country.  
MY fair lords who that this present book shall read or hear, we shall pray our lord god & the glorious Saint reynald the martyr, that he give us grace to persever, and continue our life in good works, by the which we may have at our ending the life that ever shall last. AMEN.   

¶ Here finissheth the history of the noble & valiant knight reynald of Mountawban, and his three brethren. ¶ Imprinted at London, by wynkind word, the viii day of may, and the year of our lord. M. CCCCC.iiii. at the request and commandment of the noble and puissant earl, the Earl of Oxenford, And now Imprinted in the year of our Lord. M. CCCCC.liiii. the vi. day of may, By wylliam Copland, dwelling in Fleetstreet at the Sign of the Rose Garland. for john waley.