[Sidenote:  Charlemagne and the boy Roland.] One version of the story relates, however, that Milon perished in a flood, and that Bertha was almost dying of hunger while her brother, a short distance away, was entertaining all his courtiers at his board.  Little Roland, touched by his mother’s condition, walked fearlessly into the banquet hall, boldly advanced to the table, and carried away a dishful of meat.  As the emperor seemed amused at the little lad’s fearlessness, the servants did not dare to interfere, and Roland bore off the dish in triumph.

A few minutes later he reentered the hall, and with equal coolness laid hands upon the emperor’s cup, full of rich wine.  Challenged by Charlemagne, the child then boldly declared that he wanted the meat and wine for his mother, a lady of high degree.  In answer to the emperor’s bantering questions, he declared that he was his mother’s cupbearer, her page, and her gallant knight, which answers so amused Charlemagne that he sent for her.  He then remorsefully recognized her, treated her with kindness as long as she lived, and took her son into his own service.

Another legend relates that Charlemagne, hearing that the robber knight of the Ardennes had a priceless jewel set in his shield, called all his bravest noblemen together, and bade them sally forth separately, with only a page as escort, in quest of the knight.  Once found, they were to challenge him in true knightly fashion, and at the point of the lance win the jewel he wore.  A day was appointed when, successful or not, the courtiers were to return, and, beginning with the lowest in rank, were to give a truthful account of their adventures while on the quest.

All the knights departed and scoured the forest of the Ardennes, each hoping to meet the robber knight and win the jewel.  Among them was Milon, accompanied by his son Roland, a lad of fifteen, whom he had taken as page and armor-bearer.  Milon had spent many days in vain search for the knight, when, exhausted by his long ride, he dismounted, removed his heavy armor, and lay down under a tree to sleep, bidding Roland keep close watch during his slumbers.

[Sidenote:  Roland and the jewel.] Roland watched faithfully for a while; then, fired by a desire to distinguish himself, he donned his father’s armor, sprang on his steed, and rode into the forest in search of adventures.  He had not gone very far when he saw a gigantic horseman coming to meet him, and, by the dazzling glitter of a large stone set in his shield, he recognized in him the invincible knight of the Ardennes.  Afraid of nothing, however, the lad laid his lance in rest when challenged to fight, and charged so bravely that he unhorsed the knight.  A fearful battle on foot ensued, where many gallant blows were given and received; yet the victory finally remained with Roland.  He slew his adversary, and wrenching the jewel from his shield, hid it in his breast.  Then, riding rapidly back to his sleeping father, Roland laid aside the armor, and removed all traces of a bloody encounter.  When Milon awoke he resumed the quest, and soon came upon the body of the dead knight.  When he saw that another had won the jewel, he was disappointed indeed, and sadly rode back to court, to be present on the appointed day.