Story Hour Readings: Seventh Year Part 6

Numerous stories are told of the way in which Roland first attracted the attention of the great emperor, his uncle. Of these the most popular is that which relates how Milon, attempting to ford a stream, had been carried away and drowned, while his poor half-famished 5 wife at home was thus left to perish of hunger. Seeing the signs of such acute distress around him, the child went boldly to the banqueting hall near by, where Charlemagne and his lords were feasting. Casting his eyes round for a suitable dish to plunder, Roland caught up a platter of 10 food and fled. His fearless act greatly amused the emperor, who forbade his servants to interfere. Thus the boy carried off his prize in triumph, and soon set it before the startled eyes of his mother.

Excited by the success of his raid, a few minutes later the 15 child reentered the hall, and with equal coolness laid hands upon the emperor's cup, full of rich wine. Challenged by Charlemagne, the boy then boldly declared that he wanted the meat and wine for his mother, a lady of high degree.

In answer to the emperor's bantering questions, he declared that he was his mother's cupbearer, her page, and her gallant knight, which answers so amused Charlemagne 5 that he sent for her. He saw her to be his own sister, and, stricken with remorse, he asked for her forgiveness and treated her with kindness as long as she lived, and took her son into his service.

Another legend relates that Charlemagne, hearing that 10 the robber knight of the Ardennes had a priceless jewel set in his shield, called all his bravest n.o.blemen together, and bade them sally forth separately, with only a page as escort, in quest of the knight. Once found, they were to challenge him in true knightly fashion, and at the point of 15 the lance win the jewel he wore. A day was appointed when, successful or not, the courtiers were to return, and, beginning with the lowest in rank, were to give a truthful account of their adventures while on the quest.

All the knights departed and scoured the forest of the 20 Ardennes, each hoping to meet the robber knight and win the jewel. Among them was Milon, accompanied by his son Roland, a lad of fifteen, whom he had taken as page and armor-bearer. Milon had spent many days in vain search 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 b.l.o.o.d.y 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 n.o.bles 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 famous 10 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 cla.s.s.

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

KEEPING THE BRIDGE

BY THOMAS BABINGTON MACAULAY

Ancient Rome stood on seven hills on the south sh.o.r.e 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 (Por'se-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 G.o.ds?

"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.

In yon strait path a thousand 5 May well be stopped by three.

Now, who will stand on either hand, And keep the bridge with me?"

Then out spake Spurius Lartius,-- A Ramnian proud was he: 10 "Lo, I will stand on thy right hand, And keep the bridge with thee."

And out spake strong Herminius,-- Of t.i.tian blood was he: "I will abide on thy left side, 15 And keep the bridge with thee."

"Horatius," quoth the Consul, "As thou say'st, so let it be."

And straight against that great array Forth went the dauntless three. 20 For Romans, in Rome's quarrel, Spared neither land nor gold, Nor son nor wife, nor limb nor life, In the brave days of old.

The three stood calm and silent, 25 And looked upon the foes, And a great shout of laughter From all the vanguard rose. . . .

But soon Etruria's n.o.blest Felt their hearts sink to see On the earth the b.l.o.o.d.y corpses, In the path the dauntless three!

Meanwhile the ax and lever 5 Have manfully been plied; And now the bridge hangs tottering Above the boiling tide.

"Come back, come back, Horatius!"

Loud cried the Fathers all; 10 "Back, Lartius! back, Herminius!

Back, ere the ruin fall!"

Back darted Spurius Lartius; Herminius darted back; And, as they pa.s.sed, beneath their feet 15 They felt the timbers crack.

But when they turned their faces, And on the farther sh.o.r.e Saw brave Horatius stand alone, They would have crossed once more. 20

But, with a crash like thunder, Fell every loosened beam, And, like a dam, the mighty wreck Lay right athwart the stream; And a long shout of triumph 25 Rose from the walls of Rome, As to the highest turret tops Was splashed the yellow foam.

Alone stood brave Horatius, But constant still in mind; Thrice thirty thousand foes before, And the broad flood behind.

"Down with him!" cried false s.e.xtus, 5 With a smile on his pale face.

"Now yield thee!" cried Lars Porsena, "Now yield thee to our grace."

Round turned he, as not deigning Those craven ranks to see; 10 Naught spake he to Lars Porsena, To s.e.xtus naught spake he; But he saw on Palatinus The white porch of his home; And he spake to the n.o.ble river 15 That rolls by the towers of Rome:

"O Tiber! Father Tiber!

To whom the Romans pray!

A Roman's life, a Roman's arms, Take thou in charge this day!" 20 So he spake, and speaking, sheathed The good sword by his side, And with his harness on his back, Plunged headlong in the tide.

No sound of joy or sorrow 25 Was heard from either bank; But friends and foes, in dumb surprise, With parted lips and straining eyes, Stood gazing where he sank;

And when above the surges They saw his crest appear, All Rome sent forth a rapturous cry, And even the ranks of Tuscany Could scarce forbear to cheer. 5

"Curse on him!" quoth false s.e.xtus; "Will not the villain drown?

But for this stay, ere close of day We should have sacked the town!"

"Heaven help him!" quoth Lars Porsena, 10 "And bring him safe to sh.o.r.e; For such a gallant feat of arms Was never seen before."

And now the ground he touches, Now on dry earth he stands; 15 Now round him throng the Fathers, To press his gory hands; And now, with shouts and clapping, And noise of weeping loud, He enters through the River Gate, 20 Borne by the joyous crowd.

--_Horatius._

1. This is one of the famous legends of Roman history, and it loses nothing in Macaulay's brilliant telling. Lord Macaulay (1800-1859) was an English statesman, essayist, historian, and poet.

He reveled in the romance of history. Read and report on his life.