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for the knight, when, exhausted by his long ride, he dismounted, 25

       removed his heavy armor, and lay down under a

       tree to sleep, bidding Roland keep close watch during his

       slumbers.

      For a while Roland watched faithfully; then, fired by a

       desire to distinguish himself, he donned his father's armor, 30

       sprang on his steed, and rode off into the forest in search of

       adventures. He had not gone very far when he saw a

       gigantic horseman coming to meet him, and by the dazzling

       glitter of a large stone set in his shield he recognized him to

       be the invincible knight of the Ardennes. Afraid of

       nothing, however, he laid his lance in rest when challenged

       to fight, and charged so bravely that he unhorsed 5

       his opponent. A fearful battle on foot ensued, each striving

       hard to accomplish the death of the other. But at last the

       fresh young energy of Roland conquered, and his terrible

       foe fell to the ground in agony. A minute later his corpse

       lay stiff on the field, leaving the victory in the hands of 10

       Roland.

      Hastily wrenching the coveted jewel from the shield of

       the dead warrior, the boy hid it in his breast. Then, riding

       rapidly back to his sleeping father, he laid aside the armor

       and removed all traces of a bloody encounter. Soon after,15

       Milon awoke and resumed the quest, when he came upon

       the body of the dead knight. He was disappointed indeed

       to find that another had won the jewel, and rode sadly back

       to court, to be present on the appointed day.

      In much pomp Charlemagne ascended his throne amid 20

       the deafening sound of trumpets. Then, seating himself, he

       bade the knights appear before him and relate their adventures.

       One after another strode up the hall, followed by an

       armor-bearer holding his shield. Each in turn told of

       finding the knight slain and the jewel gone. Last of all 25

       came Milon. Gloomily he made his way to the throne

       to repeat the story that had already been told so often.

       But as he went, there followed behind him, with a radiant

       face, young Roland, proudly bearing his father's shield,

       in the center of which shone the precious jewel. At the 30

       sight of this all the nobles started, and whispered to one

       another that Milon had done the deed. Then when he

       dismally told how he too had found the knight dead a

       shout of incredulity greeted him. Turning his head, he

       saw to his amazement that his own shield bore the dazzling

       gem. At the sight of it he appeared so amazed that

       Charlemagne set himself to question Roland and thus soon 5

       learned how it had been obtained. In reward for his bravery

       in this encounter Roland was knighted, and allowed to

       take his place among the paladins of the emperor. Nor was

       it long before he further distinguished himself, becoming,

       to his father's delight, the most renowned of that famous10

       company.

      —Myths and Legends of the Middle Ages.

      1. Explain fully the relationship between Charlemagne and Roland.

      2. How did Roland first attract the emperor's attention? What do these early acts of the youth show about the life and living of the times?

      3. When did Charlemagne live? Over what country did he rule? Explain the difference between an emperor and a king; a page and a knight.

      4. What feat did Roland perform when he was yet a page? One of the characteristics of a legend is its overstatement of fact. Is there anything improbable in Roland's overthrow of the knight? In a series of legendary stories, statements often conflict. What conflict of statement about Roland's father is there in this story?

      5. Any encyclopedia and many books of legends will tell you more about Roland. See what you can find, make brief notes of what you read, and report your findings from your notes to the class.

      6. Pronounce, spell, and define: amused; attracted; acute; interfere; triumph; gallant; separately; courtiers; distinguish; gigantic; opponent; disappointed; paladin.

KEEPING THE BRIDGE

       Table of Contents

      By Thomas Babington Macaulay

       Table of Contents

      Ancient Rome stood on seven hills on the south shore of the Tiber 5

       River, which formed a part of the inner defensive works of the city.

       Only one bridge—a wooden affair—spanned the river. Across the

       Tiber was the Janiculum, a hill fortified as an outer post of defense.

      When Lars Porsena (Pŏr´sĕ-na), king of Etruria, declared sudden

       war on Rome, he marched on the city so rapidly that the Janiculum

       was carried by storm. Nothing stood between him and the City of

       the Seven Hills—unless the bridge were destroyed. 10

      Horatius and two others elected to hold the bridgehead opposite

       the city against Porsena's entire army while the Romans cut down

       the bridge. The best of the Etruscan warriors came against the powerful

       three, only to be slain. Just before the bridge fell into the river,

       Horatius sent his two comrades back across the bridge to safety.

       He held his foes at bay single-handed till the structure fell into the 15

       water. Then he plunged into the Tiber with his heavy fighting gear

       on, and swam to the Roman side. Thus was the city saved.

      Out spake the Consul roundly:

       "The bridge must straight go down;

       For since Janiculum is lost, 20

       Naught else can save the town."

       Then out spake brave Horatius, 5

       The Captain of the Gate:

       "To every man upon this earth

       Death cometh soon or late.

       And how can man die better 25

       Than facing fearful odds, 10

       For the ashes of his fathers

       And the temples of his gods?

       "Hew down the bridge, Sir Consul,

       With all the speed ye may;

       I, with two more to help me,

       Will hold the foe in play.

      

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