Margaret Schlauch

The Palace of Hugon de Constantinople

ROMANCE, broad mirth, gabs, piety, patriotism, and the glamor of remote places-with such ingredients a these, it is no wonder that Le Pelerinage de Charlemagne was popular both at home and abroad. It is an entertaining tale to read; it must have been still more entertaining tohear recited in hilarious company. And even the research done on it is more entertaining than most, because it touches on some of the most fascinating problems of comparative literature: cultural relations of Western Europe with the East, Celtic influence, mythology, and the Crusades. Much of the discussion of these matters hinges on the setting of Charlemagnes chief adventure, the palace of the Emperor Hugon of Constantinople, where the French paladins make their amusing abs or jesting boasts. This palace, it will be recalled, was vaulted and circular; moreover, it was adorned with the images of two smiling youths, each holding an ivory horn, who acted as weathervanes. If a wind came up, these statues blew their horns, giving forth a loud clear sound, and at once the palace began to rotate: 356 I1 le font torneier et menut et sovent Come roe de char qui a terre descent.