Part 17 Summary

Stanzas 187, 188 - Marsile has returned to Saragossa and rests, weak from the loss of blood resulting from his hand being cut off. Queen Bramimonde laments the king's defeat, cursing Charles and his warriors and angrily crying out to heaven with their demand to know why they were defeated. Marsile is taken to his chamber to recover. Bramimonde continues to weep and grieve, saying the gods have failed Marsile and their country. She proclaims angrily that Charles can't be defeated.

Stanza 189 - Narration reveals that in the first year of Charles' conquest of Spain, Marsile sent a message to his ally, Baligant, telling him that unless he came to his aid, he will surrender to Charles and convert to Christianity. Baligant has been delayed by his extensive preparations, but now sends several ships and thousands of warriors.

Stanzas 190, 191 - These stanzas describe in poetic...