Song of Roland

the renowned nephew of Charlemagne, slain in the pass of Roncesvalles. At the battle of Hastings, Taillefer advanced on horse-back before the invading army, and gave the signal for onset by singing this famous song.

“Taillefer, who sung well and loud,

Came mounted on a charger proud;

Before the duke the minstrel sprang,

And the Song of Roland sang.”

Brut of Wace (translated).

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.