THE SCENE: In a demonstration of the stubborness of medieval chivalry, the badly outnumbered French champion Roland refuses time and again to summon help. By the time he finally breaks down and blows his horn, it will be far too late to save his men’s lives.
THE TEXT: Olivier says: “There are many pagans, and, it seems to me, we Franks are few. Companion Roland, you should sound your horn, so Charles will hear and bring the army back.” Count Roland answers: “I would play the fool! Throughout sweet France my glory would be lost. I’ll soon strike mighty blows with Durendal, until its blade is bloody to the gold. These pagans err in coming to the pass; I promise you, they are marked for death.” Says Olivier: “I have seen the Saracens from Spain. They swarm upon the mountains and the valleys, along the hillsides, and throughout the plains. The army of these foreigners is large, and we have but little company.” “This makes me still more eager,” Roland says, “Almighty God forbid, and all His angels, that France should lose her fame because of me! I’d much prefer to die than come to shame; for fighting well, the emperor will love us.”
– The Song of Roland, 12th Century AD
