Human Affairs
A Dramatic Reunion
“In truth, father, I shall bring you and my mother together. I shall kill her husband and marry her to you.” […]
Honor
History
Pride Goes Before a Horn Blow
“Count Roland, racked with agony and pain and great chagrin, now sounds his ivory horn. Bright blood leaps in a torrent from his mouth. The temple has been ruptured in his brain. The horn he holds emits a piercing blast.” […]
Human Affairs
An Everyday Killing
“Gudrun was wearing a tunic with a tight-fitting woven bodice, and a tall head-dress, and round her waist she had tied a fringed sash with dark blue stripes. Helgi Harbeinsson went up to her and took one end of the sash and wiped the blood off the spear with which he had run Bolli through.” […]
Humor
Brave as a Lion… or Not
“The Cid leaned on his elbow and rose to his feet, and leaving his cloak over his shoulder he walked towards the lion. When the lion saw him, it was so taken aback that it hung its head and nosed the ground. Don Rodrigo took it by the neck, let it along with his right hand and put it in the net.” […]
Humor
Medieval Friendly Fire
“On being struck so, Roland studies him, then asked him in a soft and gentle voice: “My lord companion, did you mean to do that? It’s Roland, who has been your friend for so long. You gave no sign that you had challenged me.”” […]
Greek and Roman
The Fighting Eunuch
“The emperor took exception to this: “Could you do anything like that, you effeminate gelding?” “Having never learnt to operate two lances, emperor, I cannot,” Krateros replied; “nor is there any need of such foolishness in war.”” […]
History
Louis the Austere
“Here’s a blaze of gold and silver and scarlet! Why, you wretched fellow, can’t you be satisfied with perishing yourself in battle if Fate so decides?” […]
Britons and Celts
A Model Cornish King
“Where are you making for, you coward? Where are you running to, you slackers? Turn back! Turn back, I say, and do battle with Corineus! Shame on you! You are so many thousands and yet you run away from me who am one!” […]
Violence
A Hard-Minded Man
““I cannot love your kind,” replies Count Roland. “Your way is that of heresy and pride.”” […]
Greek and Roman
The Song of the Manuel the Armenian
“Manuel set off, but the emperor was too afraid and did not flow, so he was obliged to turn back again. When the emperor missed his chance again, he came back a third time and threatened him with death if he did not follow. It was thus that, very late in the day and with great difficulty, the emperor was saved.” […]