Part 13 Summary

Stanza 137 - In poetic narration, the sun shines on the armor of the French soldiers as they ride with Charles to Roland's rescue. Charles commands that Ganelon be placed in custody, and that the cooks and kitchen boys guard him. Ganelon is beaten, collared and chained, and placed on a mule's back to await Charles' return.

Stanzas 138, 139 - Charles' army sounds their trumpets to alert Roland and his army that they're coming. Charles' soldiers pray that Roland is kept safe, aware that no matter how hard they fight they will be too late. Charles, meanwhile, is becoming angry and like the soldiers riding with him, spurs his horse hard. They are aware that Roland is doomed, but have faith he's fighting hard.

Stanza 140 - Roland weeps and prays over the bodies of his fallen comrades, fully aware of his failure to protect them...