Part 9 Summary

Stanza 79 - This stanza contains a detailed description of the armor worn by the Saracens, their flags, their warhorses and their noisy preparations, which are heard in the French camp. Oliver comments to Roland that it seems as though the enemy is on its way. Roland vows to stand his ground well and defend Charles' honor and right to rule. He urges his men to prepare to fight well. "Pagans are wrong the Christian cause is right," he says, and vows to set a good example.

Stanza 80 - From the top of a hill Oliver sees the approaching Saracens, and shouts details of what he sees down to Roland. He comments that Ganelon must have known this would happen, but Roland tells him to be quiet, saying that he'll have no one speak badly of his stepfather.

Stanzas 81, 82 - Oliver takes a closer...