Sections XXXIII-LIV

Ganelon, speaking on behalf of Charlemagne, demands that King Marsile convert to Christianity and yield half of Spain as tribute, or face military conquest, forced imprisonment, trial, and execution.

Marsile attempts to strike Ganelon with a dart in anger, but his men prevent the confrontation and persuade him to hear Ganelon's full message.

Ganelon partially draws his sword in defiance, declaring he will speak Charlemagne's message freely, and the pagans acknowledge his noble bearing.

Ganelon elaborates that Charlemagne will give Marsile half of Spain as a fief, with Roland receiving the other half as co-ruler, or else Charles will besiege, conquer, and humiliate Marsile.

Marsile opens the sealed letter and recognizes that Charlemagne remembers his past crimes (the deaths of Basan and Basilye), and that failure to submit means facing Charles's wrath.

Marsile's son argues that Ganelon spoke unjustly and should be executed for his insults, and Ganelon responds by drawing his sword in defense.

Marsile withdraws to an orchard with his trusted men, including Blancandrin and the alcaliph, to discuss matters of treason with Ganelon.

Marsile apologizes for his earlier violence as a test, gifts Ganelon fine sables, and promises additional tribute for the next day.

Marsile inquires whether the elderly Charlemagne (reputedly 200 years old) will eventually retire from warfare, seeking to understand his opponent's vulnerability.

Ganelon acknowledges that Charlemagne is so old and experienced that no mortal can fully describe his greatness, and he is determined to fight until death.

Marsile reiterates his question about when Charlemagne will cease warfare, expressing amazement at his age and long campaigns.

Ganelon declares that Charlemagne will never retire from war as long as his nephew Roland lives, naming Roland and Oliver as his most formidable vassals along with the Twelve Peers.

Marsile once more repeats his questions about Charlemagne's age and when he will cease warfare, eliciting another answer from Ganelon.

Ganelon repeats that Charlemagne will never withdraw from war while Roland lives, emphasizing Roland and Oliver's preeminence among his vassals and the loyalty of twenty thousand Franks.

Marsile claims he can field four hundred thousand knights superior to any of Charles's warriors, testing Ganelon's assessment of Saracen strength.

Ganelon recommends that Marsile abandon direct military confrontation and instead send tribute to France to weaken Charlemagne's resolve while keeping him occupied.

Marsile directly asks Ganelon how to kill Roland, indicating his understanding that destroying Roland is key to defeating Charlemagne.

Ganelon outlines a treacherous ambush strategy: Charlemagne will cross the pass of Sizé with Roland and Oliver commanding twenty thousand Franks in the rearguard, whom Marsile should attack with eighty thousand Saracens to destroy them, freeing Marsile from war forever.