River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-14

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
dal, that could not be bent or broken, and
the shield, with its red and white quar-
terings, that the Saracen was to know so
well. 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 flows frem the castle walls. The
rivets Jew from their armor, and splin,
tiers of steel fell into the river on either
hand. All who beheld maryeled 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 Girard's
nephew had, but no steel could Withstand
the matchless Durandal. AT last 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, . am the nephew of
the King of France J 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 .hey locked their bodies together,
and wFestled 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.
"Ia! is my nephew tired of the fight?n
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, Il
will 60 through the fire or fighta Saracen
giant, ii Roland be false and SO spoke
all the peers whose own hearts were loyal.
In friendly converse the youth reposed
throughout the MONDAY heat.
Right glad am /, said Oliver "to have
to do with so good a man."
And sad am IT, 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
"Hcldr' he said Il am feyered and
weak, and if it please thee, would fain
lie down and rest time"
with all my heart replied Oliver.
1T were no honor to vanquish a knight
through sickness. Rest and fear not; |
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 ease, 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 king nephew stood up and
laughed.
''Nay, l did but feign to try thy faith.
| could fight on for days and nights, if
need were. But, courteous sir, since We
use me thus, l would right willingly call
thee brother And if | live, will marry
no lady but thy fair sister,"
And if live, she shall marry no mar
but thee said Oliver.
The sun went down as again they closed
in desperate encounter. All that day
hLd they fought with all their might, and
hcithcr could boast of victory. Again
the good blades clashed, and the blows
rcsounded over the water. The shades
gathered round and hid them from sight
The ancient watchers could see 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 1t 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 nephews en-
treaty for peace, and willingly they
agreed to turn their aims against the in
fidcls
The reconciliation was sealed by Ro-
lands betrothal to Aida. All the land
rcioiced 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 rs brothers, and died together on
the field of Roncesvalles.
PLAYING Funeral.