-
FENICE'S ABDUCTION AND RETURN
- University of Georgia Press
- Chapter
- Additional Information
FENICE'S ABDUCTION AND RETURN These spies informed him every day how long the emperor would stay, all preparations, each concern, the time his party would return, and where their routes and passes lay. The emperor did not delay for, once his wedding day had flown, he set off blithely from Cologne. The emperor of Germany came with substantial company; 3350 the Saxon duke was at the head of forces that he held in dread. FENICE'S ABDUCTION AND RETURN TO Regensburg both emperors pressed on without a halt or pause. Beside the Danube's bank their band camped overnight in meadow land. Where the Black Forest circumvents some fields, the Greeks were in their tents. The Saxons, keeping watch, saw fit to set their campsite opposite. 3360 The ducal nephew, posted guard, was keeping watch with close regard to what advantage he could manage to harm the Greeks and do them damage. This youth was at his guard post when he saw Cliges and four young men ride out disporting in thefields. They bore their lances and their shields so they could joust and have some fun. The nephew, if it could be done, 3370 would hurt and harm them in a bout. [99] CLIGES With two companions he rode out, and they concealed themselves and stood within a valley by the wood; the Greeks did not observe them rally until they came out of the valley. The ducal nephew charged and hit Cliges and wounded him a bit, a minor wound above the spine. 3380 Cliges bent over to incline and make the lance the young man raised pass over him and leave him grazed. But when Cliges could feel the scratch, he charged the youth who fought this match and struck so hard in his advance that through his frame he thrust his lance and slew the nephew in this fight. Then all the Saxons took to flight. They held Cliges in so much dread 3390 that through the forest bounds they fled. Cliges, not realizing the trap, went boldly risking great mishap, with no companions at his back. Cliges pursued the Saxons back to their own army, so he fared toward where the ducal force prepared for their assault and Grecian raid. He chased the youths back with no aid. The young men in despair deplored 3400 the fact that they had lost their lord, so they came weeping on a run to tell the duke the damage done to his own nephew, much distressed. The duke considered it no jest. By God and all His saints he swore throughout his lifetime nevermore [100] [3.238.86.122] Project MUSE (2024-03-29 11:23 GMT) FENICE'S ABDUCTION AND RETURN would he rejoice, his fortunes thrive, and know the man was still alive who had just slain his nephew dead. The man who brought the slayers head 3410 he would consider his great friend for all the comfort he would lend. One knight who was a braggart sniffed he'd make Cliges s head his gift, if that young man would wait that long. Cliges gave chase and came headlong at length among the Saxon host. The braggart knight who made the boast he'd take Cliges s head away beheld him and did not delay. 3420 Cliges turned back to gain some space because this knight was giving chase. When he went dashing back to seek his own companions, not one Greek was to be found in evidence, for they had gone back to their tents where their adventure they recounted. Together Greeks and Germans mounted; the emperor wished them combined. Throughout the army, as assigned, 3430 the barons armed and leapt to horse. The Saxon spurred along his course to find Cliges, a man he chased completely armed, with helmet laced. Cliges, who saw him come alone and never wanted to be known for cowardice or lack of nerve, abused him verbally with verve. The knight, who wanted to annoy, first stupidly called him a boy, 3440 unable to conceal his views. [101] CLIGES He said: "Boy, here you'll pay your dues for my own lord, whom you left dead. If I don't carry off your head, I'm worth less than a phony bezant.* I'll give it to the duke for present. No other price will I arrange. You for his nephew I'll exchange, and he will profit by the trade." 3450 Cliges heard out this crude tirade...