∗ The legend runs thus :—About the eighth century, Charles the Great had a vision of an angel, who delivered to him a sword, “Durentarde,” and a horn, “Olifant,” to be used in the extermination of the Saracens, who then held Spain. He invaded the country, and after he thought his object was accomplished he gave to his nephew Roland the sword and horn, as a talisman and sign of power, leaving him with a host of heroes and warriors to keep possession of the country. No sooner, however, had the emperor retired upon his homeward road, with the main army, than the Saracens fell upon Roland and his warriors, annihilating the devoted band. Roland, being mortally wounded, bethought himself of his horn, and blew a powerful blast upon “Olifant “—so powerful that Charles, far away, heard it, and hastily returned with his forces, finding Roland dead and all the heroes slain. Hence in old works an allusion may sometimes be found to the “Roland's horn.”Google Scholar