Part 16 Summary

Stanza 177 - Charles rides into the battlefield, littered with dead bodies of both the French and the Saracens. Charles cries out for Roland, Turpin, Oliver, and several other friends and nobles. He cries out in anguish, asking himself where he was when the battle began. The French soldiers accompanying him, including Naimon, grieve with him.

Stanza 178 - As Charles and his soldiers continue to grieve, Naimon notices a cloud of dust in the distance. He realizes it's the fleeing Saracens and urges Charles to chase them and take revenge. Charles commands several soldiers to remain behind and protect the bodies of the French dead.

Stanza 179 - Charles commands that the trumpets be sounded and rides off in pursuit of the Saracens. When he sees night drawing in, he stops his horse and prays that daylight, be extended so he can continue his pursuit...