Part 21 Summary

Stanza 235 - Baligant rides at the head of his army as his deputies urge his followers to pray. The soldiers "bow their heads and chins ... down to the very ground," an apt description of Muslim prayer. Meanwhile, the French soldiers shout that the Saracens are facing ruin, and pray for victory.

Stanza 236 - Baligant calls Malpramis and two generals to him for a council, and reveals his plan to leave three divisions behind in the initial attack. He vows to behead Charles.

Stanza 237 - The two armies farce each other across a level plain. Baligant rallies his troops. Charles sounds Roland's horn, and the pagans fear they're facing a terrible battle.

Stanza 238 - Narration describes the battlefield, the gleaming armor of the combatants, and the sound of Roland's horn ringing out. Baligant points out to his brother how Charles is at the rear...