How we cite our quotes: (Stanza.Line)
Quote #10
He orders four benches brought to the place,
Those who are to fight the duel go sit there.
Formal challenges are exchanged to the judges' satisfaction,
Ogier of Denmark acted as a go-between. (279.3853-55)
Now it turns into trial by combat. Just when you thought everything was all rosy and proto-democracy, we get this old-fashioned horror show. But since this is an empire built on faith and swords, and in particular, the belief that God will help your swords kill bad people, it kind of makes sense that Charlemagne would rely on what swords have to tell him. If Thierry's verdict is indeed the best, then God will make him win.