The Knights of Charlemagne

The Knights of Charlemagne - TFP Call to Chivalry Songbook An adaptation of The Song of Roland. See the Soundcloud link below to download this song The Knights of Charlemagne ---------------------------------------------- Some men begged to stay behind to guard their earthly pleasures, while others left to heathen lands to fight for Heavenly treasures! O glorious tale throughout the land a valiant feat a lesson, of Charlemagne and knightly peers when treason did aggress them! They rode out of Frankish lands with mighty steeds in armor, Roland and his bravest knights who fought at Roncesvalles! At a distance from their king there trailed the faithful warriors, Roland and his peers did pass by canyon rocks and boulders. Saracens in ambush charged, by treason was it triggered, sword and shield in battle clashed, the faint of heart would wither! Overwhelmed in numbers great, the warriors fought on bravely, dealing mighty blows and prayers, saying: “Strengthen us O Lady!“ Roland fought a valiant fight, as flies he dropped their numbers, all his men did give their all, their blows as sounding thunder! And there approached to Roland’s side, His Excellency Turpin, who with his mace dealt swiftest blows to haughty enemy soldiers! The Bishop said “We die this day: Good Charles cannot be seen! My son for thy imprudence we, now with our lives, must pay!” Yet valiant now oh men of light, behold I now absolve! For all thy sins, one Penance told! Go strike the enemy cold! And after this the Bishop struck, as enemies fell in waves. And in his wake of swings and breaks was struck by enemy blades! Olivier said Roland now, tis time to call the Emperor, then blew his Olifant, he did! His temples burst asunder! Now it seems we meet our end, may God receive us surely! For Him Who hung upon the Cross, we die and this is glory! And on the wind a distant sound had reached the ears of Charles, “Tis Roland and his Olifant! To war we fight with honor!“ “Sire do wait for this could be merely a false alarm.“ “Silence!“ says he to Ganelon, these words can only harm! “Bind this man! This traitor, he! I'll deal with him in time! It seems that silver won his soul till treason be his crime!” Then charged Great Charles with army strong, to crush that ambush brazen, and aid his nephew's faithful band to battle did they hasten. A mortal blow did Roland take therefore he would expire, but not before giving crushing blows to the enemies of his Sire! When towards the last he raised his eyes a knightly angel shown, Saint Michael who would bear his soul and take to Heaven’s throne. When at last the emperor rode through battlefield now hushed, and in his grief saw Roland passed, yet enemies round him crushed! My Lord, look hence! Far distantly and see the enemy flee’eth! And all did hasten, to the chase with blazing indignation. And as he rode Great Charles saw the sun begin to set, yet prayed to God the sun to stop lest justice not be met. And surely did the sun hold place as God heard Charles’ plea, the distance closed upon his foes, who lost all means to flee! As thunder clash the battle shook the earth unto its depth, and all who escaped the sword took swim, yet drowned by river, swept! And as the final foe gave cry when Charles’ sword he met. The Heavens shown in a brilliant sky and then the sun did set! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------