Rolant is left in charge of the rearguard, at the suggestion of Ganelon.

"Rolant, dear nephew," said Chiarlymaen, "remain as protector of the rearguard; moreover, so that it may be safer for you, retain and keep half of my cavalry with you also." "Far be from me," said Rolant, "a shame as great as that I place my trust in abundance of number[s]. This is enough: together with my strength, a thousand powerful men will suffice; and Rolant's strength and his sword will be like innumerable host[s]."

And after those words, Rolant put on beautiful, fine, heavy and carefully made, strong armor; and he climbed to the top of a small hill and spoke this speech aloud: "Whoever loves my friendship and delights in brave deeds, let him follow me!" Immediately there came to him Oliuer, his most faithful companion, and in addition the Twelve Peers, and together with them Archbishop Turpin, and many together with them of those whose might and valor were more impressive than their number. And quickly, in a single moment's time, twenty thousand armed knights assembled before Rolant, when he was content on his part to have a thousand knights with him. But even so, he could not – for fear of shame – reject so many mighty barons from his fellowship.