Little Roland, touched by his mother's condition, walked fearlessly into the banquet hall, boldly advanced to the table, and carried away a dishful of meat.

As the emperor seemed amused at the little lad's fearlessness, the servants did not dare to interfere, and Roland bore off the dish in triumph.
A few minutes later he reentered the hall, and with equal coolness laid hands upon the emperor's cup, full of rich wine.

Challenged by Charlemagne, the child then boldly declared that he wanted the meat and wine for his mother, a lady of high degree.

In answer to the emperor's bantering questions, he declared that he was his mother's cupbearer, her page, and her gallant knight, which answers so amused Charlemagne that he sent for her.

He then remorsefully recognized her, treated her with kindness as long as she lived, and took her son into his own service.
Another legend relates that Charlemagne, hearing that the robber knight of the Ardennes had a priceless jewel set in his shield, called all his bravest noblemen together, and bade them sally forth separately, with only a page as escort, in quest of the knight.