Let Roland Blow that Horn

Kar vasselage par sens nen est folie,

Mielz valt mesure que ne fait estultie.

Let Roland blow that miserable horn

till he’s exhausted his final breath,

blow till his temple explodes

and blood drips from his nose;

let him blow that miserable horn.

Roland’s already among the silent slain

and the bones of his valiant friends

lie scattered across the plane.

Let us lament the futility of his life

without damning ourselves to his death.

(For courage mixed with prudence is not foolish,

And moderation betters recklessness.)

La Chanson de Roland
Stanza CXXXI, line 1724