How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #10
"Charles, summon the armies of your Empire!
You shall invade the land of Bire,
You shall aid King Vivien at Imphe,
The city the pagans have besieged,
The Christians implore and cry out for you."
The Emperor would rather not go there:
"God!" said the King, "my life is so full of suffering!"
His eyes are brimming with tears, he tugs his white beard. (291.3994-4001)
For a man who loves war Charlemagne is oddly upset when Gabriel commands him to do more. Could Ganelon be right when he says that Roland is the only reason the Franks keep fighting? Or is this the tantrum of an old man who just wants to get a good night's rest?