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Title: The battle between the Caracens and the Franks
Review: Difficult to track the history of this stanza poem, but it is thought to be written in the twelfth century. It is "an epic clash between Christianity and Paganism" (Christians against Muslims, or more precisely, Caracens against Franks). "Based on the massacre in 778 of Charlemagn.......in Northern Spain." There is a lengthy introduction summarizing the story; in it Burgess helps to explain the nuances, history, composition, and the difficulties translating it into straight forward modern English. But Burgess says the main purpose was to make it readable. And he does this with powerful flowing words.The poem is told from both sides, beginning with the pretext to war: "the betrayal". Then the hard fighting begins; it is unforgiving and graphic: "the battle". In the end justice is served: "the trial". You will discover the "Christians" could be evil in their own right, just as the Pagans, by forcing their "religion" on others.Wish you wellScott
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