It's not a reproach to say that I found the content to greatly outshine the form here. W.S. Merwin has taken the only rational approach in translating the Middle French verse into prose. My own views on translation into verse are well documented, namely that it is more often than not heresy. I could have wished that the editor/translator gave the reader a little more insight into the beauty of the original, explicating some of the more notable passages, drawing attention to certain linguistic features, or even applying some line breaks. Admittedly, however, such would have been a pale reflection, and I do not fault him for instead focusing entirely on what is, after all, the real star of the test: the narrative.
Having years ago read and been moved by Bulfinch's parallel account, I found this a welcome elaboration on one of the most neglected stories in Western Literature. I had forgotten how compelling the characters were, and how riveting the tale. How is it possible that we have not a single modern adaptation of the tales of Charlemagne? It has all the ingredients of a runaway hit: love, blood, betrayal, revenge, valor, honor, the only thing missing is a wisecracking sidekick or monkey in a dress, either of which would be easy enough to add. Can't you picture the scene of Roland and Oliver's epic duel, during which they are revealed to each other? "I yield me." sayeth the one. "I am defeated" echoeth his companion. And if the show be aired on Showtime, they proceed to make sweet, gay love right on the battlefield. Not a dry eye in the house, I assure you.
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