Roland Dead, Crusaders Fight On

The mighty warrior Roland was found dead-- his brains oozing out of his ears. Roland died from sounding his oliphant with too great a passion, characteristic of his fighting enthusiasm.

Roland's body was stretched out, face down, on the grass beneath a pine, Durendal and his oliphant tucked under him and his head turned toward pagan Spain. It is believed that he confessed his sins, beat on his chest, wept, and prayed, hopefully offering God his right-hand glove.

Saint Gabriel came down from heaven to take it, and, along with other saints, he took Roland's soul into Paradise. This was, and still is, a great comfort for the rest of his fellow soldiers. Roland's life was well lived, and his death did not prevail without a fight.

Roland was a brave, strong-willed, intelligent, intense, and courageous count, always giving everything he had to the Crusader cause. Without him, the Crusaders may not have gotten to where they are now. His death will never be forgotten, but shall be remembered in song.

The Crusaders, after mouring for Roland and led by Charlemagne, have continued to war on, pursuing Saragossa.

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