The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1878-02-14
!. That ni1ht KING Charles had A troubled

Anxious, ne vowed pilgrimage TO Jerusa-
lem if Roland should have the victory.
Meanwhile the fair Aida spent the night
on her knees in the chapel of the castle.
If Oliver were slain on the morrow she
would become a nun. And yet she
could not pray that Roland might fall by
his hands. She wept, praying on her
brothers armor, dreading both victory and
defeat.
Now the hour of the combat had come.
The bank of the river was thronged with
spectators. The besieged covered the
walls, and high above all sat Lady Aida
with eager eyes. Opposite stood the
mailed host of the king. From either
bank the young knights were rowed
across, and left together on the island.
Oliver was equipped in rich arms that
had been given him when he was made
knight. Roland had the famed Duran
dial, that could not be bent or broken, and
the shield, with its red and white quar-
.terings, that the Saracen was to know so
we'll. Cautiously they saluted each
other, and the fight began forthwith.
Brightly shone their swords in the
morning sun. Fiercely closed the young
champions for life or death. Loud echoed
the blows frem the castle walls. The
rivets flew from their armor, and splin-
tiers of steel fell into the river on either
hand. All who beheld marveled to see
such strokes, at each of which it seemed
that one of the fighters must fall. Blood
and sweat poured down their bodies they
painted for breath; they exhausted their
strength, but neither would yield an inch.
1t was good blade that Girsrd's
nephew had, but no steel could withstand
the matchless Durandal. Atlast divers
sword broke in his hand. He was forced
to his knees; already he almost felt the
enemy's sword in his heart; he closed
his eyes and thought of heaven. and his
sisters despairing cry rang in his ears.
But Roland flung away his weapon.
"Rise," he said, II am the nephew of
the King of France. Stay not unarmed
men,"
Oliver rose to his feet, and they faced
each other with naked hands. They tore
up two saplings, and with them struck
mighty blows till these were broken.
Then they locked their bodies together,
and wrestled like lions, till both at the
same moment came to the ground.
When they stood up breathless, the
king saw them unlace their helmets and
embrace.
"Ha! is my nephew tired of the fght?"
he cried, and Ganilon whispered into his
ear that Roland was betraying him for
love of that lady upon the castle walls.
"Nay," said the wise Duke Naymes, II
will 60 through the fire or tighta Saracen
giant, ii Roland be falsc;'' and so spoke
all the peers whose own hearts were loyal.
In friendly converse the youth reposed
throughout the MONDAY heat.
fright glad am ]" said Oliver, ITO have
to do with SO good mdn.'
land sad am l." said Roland, Ito
grieve so fair lady"
They aided one another to lace on their
helmets, and with fresh strength renewed
the battle. The hot sun went down to-
ward the west, but s i'll they fought on
and the two hosts watched them, now
with hope now with fear. Again and again
they paused to take breath; then crossed
their swords once more. Would the day
not see the end of this struggle?
Now it was Roland who lowered his
blade.
"Hold!' he said. II am fevered and
weak. and if it please thee, would fain
lie down and rest time"
with all my heart" replied Oliver.
ut were no honor to vanquish knight
through sickness. Rest and fear not; l
myself will watch over thee.
Roland undid his helmet, and stretched
himself on the earth. Then Oliver
brought great stone, ond put it beneath
his head to give him case, and famed his
face, and fetched water in his own helmet.
"Ah! he yields-he is overcome!" cried
the king, and Aida had great pity of the
fallen knight,
But the kings nephew stood up and
laughed.
'Nay, did but feign to try thy faith.
I could fight on for days and gifts, if
need were. But, courteous sir, since We
use me thus, would right willingly call
thee brother. And if l live, will marry
no lady but thy fair sister,"
"And if live, she shall marry no man
but thec,' said Oliver.
The sun went down as again they closed
in desperate encounter. All that day
had they fought with all their might, and
neither could boast of victory. Again
the good blades clashcd, and the blows
resounded over the water The shades
gathered round and hid them from sight.
The ancient watchers could sec but
the sparks struck from helm and hau-
berk. And at last the darkness came
between them, and the sounds of strife
ceased.
They had fallen into each others arms,
and vowed lifelong friendship, since
| neither might prevail over the other as a
foe. Roland undertook to make Girard's
peace with his uncle. Oliver promised
| him the hand of his sister. Henceforth,
as brothers, they should share wealth, and
honor, and love, and never again draw
sword, unless It were fighting side by
side.
And now great uproar arose in the
camp. News had come that the Saracens
were invading France. Gladly now both
king and duke heard their nephew's en-
| treaty for peace. and willingly they
agreed to turn their aims against the in
fdels.
The reconciliation was sealed bv Ro-
lands betrothal to Aida. All the land
rejoiced that this long strife should thus
be brought to an end and with high hearts
the united host marched to that great war
| in which Charles and his twelve peers
won such renown. But in friendship and
war none were more renowned than Ro-
land and Oliver, who lived together hence
forth as brothers, and died together on
the field of Ronccsvallcs.
! Polly's Worsted.
! .~-. b. $3.50 Az