River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1878-02-14
ROLAND AND OLIVER.
A LEGEND OF CHIvALRY.

his sovereign, Charles, the great king OF
France. Fiercely had they quarrelled
over a wager at chess, and Girard must
fly from the court, and call around him
kinsmen and vassals. Now they bravely
defend the walls round which lies the
mighty host of Charles. The twelve
peers of France are there, Archbishop
Turpin the wise Duke Naymes, GaniIon
fhc traitor, Lambert of Bourges, Ogier the
Dane, Richard of Normandy, Renaud Of
Montauban, and many other knights re-
nOwned in song aud story. Great feats OF
arms were done on either side, but all the
land grieyes for this war between those
who should be at peace.
For two years the siege lasted, during
which Charles remained in the city, I'M
able TO take it, and unwilling to retreat
The knights and squircs were wont to
pass much OF their time in hunting and
in tie sports of chivalry, One day Oil
yer, Duke Girards nephew, upon whose
chin the beard was beginning TO grow,
had stolen forth from the city alone, with
out arms or signs OF rank, and passing
fearless!y through the kings men, essayed
his skill among band of youths who
were playing ut the quintain. All were
astonished at the strength and grace of
this young stranger, who far surpassed
even Roland, the nephew of Charles, at
the game in which, hitherto he had al
ways borne away the prize. Suddenly
there was murmur that this was one of
the cncmv VINO had found his way into
the camp.
"Seize HIM" was the cry, and a score
of mailed hands were laid on Oliver. He
shook them off he snatched up a tent
stake and laid his assailants on the
ground; he sprang upon swift horse,
and flew toward the town. The king
men followed hard and fast, and young
Roland was formost of them all. Already
he was close upon the fugitive; he had
raised his sword to strike, when he heard
cry from the walls. He looked up, and
there was the fair Aida, divers sister,
claspiug her hands and raising her blue
eyes to heaven, as she saw her brothers
danger. The arm of Roland dropped to
his side He reiRed in his steed, and let
Oliver ride on unframed. Those who
beheld him thought he had been wound
ed by an arrow from the walls. The
shaft had gone to his heart.
Night and day Roland hencefOrth
thought of the fair Aida, and no longer
cared to prove his courage in assaults
against the city of her kinsmen. There
were times of truce, too, when the Ladies
of Viennc rode freely through the kings
camp, and then the youth might feast his
ewes on her beauty. The day came when
he was made knight, and before ever he
had dinted his bright shield, he sought
speech of this lady, and said
Il dare not ask Of thee to accept me
as thy knight; but | trust that all the
deeds of my life will prove that there is
none more faithful and devoted to thy
service"
"Ah. sir, replied the blushing maiden,
Il wish we'll that we might be friends,
but this may not be while thy house is
at feud with mine"
From that day Roland strove to win his
uncle's mind to peace, and in likewise
counscled Duke Naymes and the bravest
of the peers But Charles frowned, and
said bitterly that he had expected other
things from the new-made knight, and
false Ganilon whispered doubts and
sneers. for Canton hated Roland ever
since the young knight had disabled
him in his first tourney. These whispers
came to Roland's ear, and made his blood
burn to show himself worthy of his spurs
AMI to shame the slanderers.
Before long he had his wish. Now ar
ravcd in rich furs and goodly mantle rs
besccmed a knight, came Oliver to the
kings tent to treat for peace. Before all
the barons and knights he told his er-
rand, but the kings brow was stern as he
answered:
"Peace Duke Girard shall not have till
he come with a saddle on his back to sue
for it,
Nay, my lord king" answered Oliver,
che were unworthy to he peer of France
if he thus debased himself.
Then spoke the false Ganilon:
1--WE have here the nephew In our
hands. Let us hang him over against
the gates. and thus teach the proud u Gle
to rebel against his king"
The ewes OF Roland shone with anger,
and he felled the traitor to the earth.
at were shame to us" he cried, ''if a
messenger might not come and go freely,
and speak all his will.'
Il have done my errand,' said Oliver,
Preparing to depart aft the king will re-
move his host, and seek no more to harm
MS. Duke GirarI and all his men will
henceforth serve him faithfully in all
things. If not, ye know well how we can
defend ourselves
The wise Duke Naymes whispered in
his masters ear, counselling him 10 fair
words that might end this unworthy strife.
But Charles sat silent with the cloud on
his brow. Long had he stayed round this
rebelious town, and he was not willing to
depart till it had yielded to his mercy, or
till not a soul within it should be left
alive. Then suddenly Oliver turned to
Roland, and cried:
''Shall thy uncle and mine be ever at
war! Say, young knight, wilt thou meet
me, and fight out this quarrel in single
ombatln
SAY, that will l, for France and the
kingr' answered Roland eagerly.
$50 be it, said Charles rising from his
seat. "These two are of like age and
strength, and it behoOveS them to win
their spurs. Go back to the duke, young
sir. and offer him this covenent; that If
thou be vanQuished. he shall leave the
town forthwith; but if my nephew fall, |
will raise the siege and let him live IN
peace
Willingly all the peers raised their
voices in assent, for they were weared OF
this long war, and loved not TO shed the
blood of their countrymen. Thus it was
agreed, and the combat was to take place
neat dav on little island in the stream
that rolled between the dukes castle and
the camp of the king.
That night King Charles had troubled
dream. He dreamed that hawk and a
falcon fought fiercely together, but before
he might know which overcame the other,
he awoke and could sleep no more.
Anxious, he vowed a 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,
IL Oliver Wore slain on the morrow she