Thomas Bulfinch (17961867). Age of Fable: Vol. IV: Legends of
Charlemagne. 1913. IV. The Siege of Albracca AT the very time
when Charlemagne was holding his plenary court and his great
tournament his kingdom was invaded by a mighty monarch, who was
moreover so valiant and strong in battle that no one could stand
against him. He was named Gradasso, and his kingdom was called
Sericane. Now, as it often happens to the greatest and the
richest to long for what they cannot have, and thus to lose what
they already possess, this king could not rest content without
Durindana, the sword of Orlando, and Bayard, the horse of
Rinaldo. To obtain these he determined to war upon France, and
for this purpose put in array a mighty army. He took his way
through Spain, and, after defeating Marsilius, the king of that
country, in several battles, was rapidly advancing on France.
Charlemagne, though Marsilius was a Saracen, and had been his
enemy, yet felt it needful to succor him in this extremity from
a consideration of common