Chapter 24 - Page 2

son named Guyon. The new queen had absolute power over her
husband, and fearing that, if he should see Ogier again, he would give
him the preference over Guyon, she had adroitly persuaded him to delay
rendering his homage to Charlemagne, till now four years had passed
away since the last renewal of that ceremony. Charlemagne, irritated
at this delinquency, drew closer the bonds of Ogier's captivity
until he should receive a response from the king of Denmark to a fresh
summons which he caused to be sent to him.
The answer of Geoffroy was insulting and defiant, and the rage of
Charlemagne was roused in the highest degree. He was at first disposed
to wreak his vengeance upon Ogier, his hostage; but at the
entreaties of Duke Namo, who felt towards his pupil like a father,
consented to spare his life, if Ogier would swear fidelity to him as
his liege-lord, and promise not to quit his court without his
permission. Ogier accepted these terms, and was allowed to retain
all the freedom he had before enjoyed.
The Emperor would have immediately taken arms to reduce his
disobedient vassal, if he had not been called off in another direction
by a message from Pope Leo, imploring his assistance. The Saracens had
landed in the neighborhood of Rome, occupied Mount Janiculum, and
prepared to pass the Tiber and carry fire and sword to the capital
of the Christian world. Charlemagne hesitated not to yield to the
entreaties of the Pope. He speedily assembled an army, crossed the
Alps, traversed Italy, and arrived at Spoleto, a strong place to which
the Pope had retired. Leo, at the head of his Cardinals. advanced to
meet him, and rendered him homage, as to the son of Pepin, the
illustrious protector of the Holy See, coming, as his father had done,
to defend it in the hour of need.
Charlemagne stopped but two days at Spoleto, and learning that the
Infidels, having rendered themselves masters of Rome, were besieging
the Capitol, which could not long hold out against them, marched
promptly to attack them.
The advance posts of the army were commanded by Duke Namo, on whom
Ogier waited as his squire. He did not yet bear arms, not having
received the order of knighthood. The Oriflamme, the royal standard,
was borne by a knight named Alory, who showed himself unworthy of
the honor.
Duke Namo, seeing a strong body of the Infidels advancing to
attack him, gave the word to charge them. Ogier remained in the
rear, with the other youths, grieving much that he was not permitted
to fight. Very soon he saw Alory lower the Oriflamme, and turn his
horse in flight. Ogier pointed him out to the young men, and,
seizing a club, rushed upon Alory and struck him from his horse. Then,
with his companions, he disarmed him, clothed himself