第1章

TranslatedbyAndrewLangINTRODUCTION

Thereisnothinginartisticpoetryquiteakinto"AucassinandNicolete。"

ByararepieceofgoodfortunetheonemanuscriptoftheSong—Storyhasescapedthosewavesoftime，whichhavewreckedthebarkofMenander，andleftofSapphobutafewfloatingfragments。Theveryformofthetaleispeculiar；wehavenothingelsefromthetwelfthorthirteenthcenturyinthealternateproseandverseofthecante—

fable。{1}Wehavefabliauxinverse，andproseArthurianromances。

WehaveChansonsdeGeste，heroicpoemslike"Roland，"unrhymedassonantlaisses，butwehavenotthealternationsofprosewithlaissesinseven—syllabledlines。Itcannotbecertainlyknownwhethertheformof"AucassinandNicolete"wasafamiliarform——

usedbymanyjogleors，orwanderingminstrelsandstory—tellerssuchasNicolete，inthetale，feignedherselftobe，——orwhetherthisisasolitaryexperimentby"theoldcaptive"itsauthor，acontemporary，asM。GastonParisthinkshim，ofLouisVII（1130）。

Hewasoriginalenoughtohaveinvented，oradoptedfrompopulartradition，aformforhimself；hisoriginalitydeclaresitselfeverywhereinhisonesurvivingmasterpiece。True，heusescertaintraditionalformulae，thathavesurvivedinhistime，astheysurvivedinHomer’s，fromthemannerofpurelypopularpoetry，ofVolkslieder。Thusherepeatssnatchesofconversationalwaysinthesame，orverynearlythesamewords。Hehasastereotypedform，likeHomer，forsayingthatonepersonaddressedanother，"ainstraistauviscontedelavilesil’apela"[Greektextwhichcannotbereproduced]……LikeHomer，andlikepopularsong，hedealsinrecurrentepithets，andchangelesscourtesies。ToAucassinthehideousplough—manis"Biaxfrere，""fairbrother，"justasthetreacherousAegisthusis[Greektext]inHomer；thesearecomplimentaryterms，withnomoralsenseinparticular。ThejogleorisnotmorecuriousthanHomer，orthanthepoetsoftheoldballads，aboutgivingnoveldescriptionsofhischaracters。AsHomer’sladiesare"fair—tressed，"soNicoleteandAucassinhave，eachofthem，closeyellowcurls，eyesofvair（whateverthatmaymean），andredlips。Warcannotbementionedexceptaswar"whereknightsdosmiteandaresmitten，"andsoforth。Theauthorisabsolutelyconventionalinsuchmatters，accordingtotheconventionofhisageandprofession。

Norishismattermoreoriginal。Hetellsastoryofthwartedandfinallyfortunatelove，andhisherois"aChristenedknight"——likeTamlane，——hisheroineaPaynimlady。Tobesure，Nicoletewasbaptizedbeforethetalebegins，anditisshewhoisacaptiveamongChristians，notherlover，asusual，whoisacaptiveamongSaracens。Theauthorhasreversedthecommonarrangement，andheappearstohavecaredlittlemorethanhisrecklesshero，aboutcreedsanddifferencesoffaith。HeisnotmuchinterestedintherecognitionofNicoletebyhergreatPaynimkindred，norindeedinanyofthe"business"ofthenarrative，thefighting，thestormsandtempests，andtheburlesqueofthekingdomofTorelore。

Whatthenamelessauthordoescarefor，ishistellingofthelove—

story，thepassionofAucassinandNicolete。Hisoriginalityliesinhischarmingmedleyofsentimentandhumour，ofasmilingcompassionandsympathywithatouchofmockingmirth。TheloveofAucassinandNicolete—

"Desgranspainesqu’ilsoufri，"

thatistheonethingserioustohiminthewholematter，andthatisnotsoveryserious。{2}Thestory—tellerisnoMimnermus，LoveandYoutharethebestthingsheknew，——"deportduvielcaitif，"——

andnowhehas"cometofortyyears，"andnowtheyarewithhimnolonger。ButhedoesnotlamentlikeMimnermus，likeAlcman，likeLlwyarchHen。"WhatisLife，whatisdelightwithoutgoldenAphrodite？MayIdie！"saysMimnermus，"whenIamnomoreconversantwiththese，withsecretlove，andgraciousgifts，andthebedofdesire。"AndAlcman，whenhislimbswaverbeneathhim，isonlysaddenedbythefacesandvoicesofgirls，andwouldchangehislotforthesea—birds。"{3}

"Maidenswithvoiceslikehoneyforsweetnessthatbreathedesire，WouldthatIwereasea—birdwithlimbsthatnevercouldtire，Overthefoam—flowersflyingwithhalcyonseveronwing，Keepingacarelessheart，asea—bluebirdofthespring。"

Butouroldcaptive，havingsaidfarewelltolove，hasyetakindlysmilinginterestinitsfeverandfolly。Nothingbetterhashemet，evennowthatheknows"aladisanass。"Hetellsalovestory，astoryofloveovermastering，withoutconscienceorcareofaughtbutthebeloved。Andthevielcaitiftellsitwithsympathy，andwithasmile。"Ohfollyoffondness，"heseemstocry，"ohmerrydaysofdesolation"

"WhenIwasyoungasyouareyoung，Whenlutesweretouchedandsongsweresung，Andlovelampsinthewindowshung。"

ItistheverytoneofThackeray，whenThackerayistender，andtheworldhearditfirstfromthiselderly，namelessminstrel，strollingwithhisviolandhissingingboys，perhaps，likeablamelessd’Assoucy，fromcastletocastlein"thehappypoplarland。"Oneseemstoseehimandhearhiminthetwilight，inthecourtofsomechateauofPicardy，whiletheladiesonsilkencushionssitaroundhimlistening，andtheirlovers，fetteredwithsilverchains，lieattheirfeet。Theylisten，andlook，anddonotthinkoftheminstrelwithhisgreyheadandhisgreenheart，butwethinkofhim。Itisanoldman’swork，andawearyman’swork。Youcaneasilytelltheplaceswherehehaslingered，andbeenpleasedashewrote。Theyaremarked，likethebowerNicoletebuilt，withflowersandbrokenbrancheswetwithdew。SuchapassageisthedescriptionofNicoleteatherwindow，inthestrangelypaintedchamber，"kifaiteestpargrantdevissepantureeamiramie。"

Thence"shesawtherosesblow，Heardthebirdssingloudandlow。"

Again，theminstrelspeaksoutwhatmanymusthavethought，inthoseincredulousagesofFaith，aboutHeavenandHell，Hellwherethegallantcompanymakesupforeverything。Whenhecomestoabattle—

piecehemakesAucassin"mightilyandknightlyhurlthroughthepress，"likeoneofMalory’smen。Hisheromustbeamanofhishands，nomeresighingyouthincapableofarms。Buttheminstrelsheartisinotherthings，forexample，intheverseswhereAucassintransferstoBeautythewonder—workingpowersofHoliness，andmakesthesightofhisladyhealthepalmer，astheshadowoftheApostle，fallingonthesickpeople，healedthembytheGateBeautiful。TheFlightofNicoleteisafamiliarandbeautifulpicture，thedaisyflowerslookblackintheivorymoonlightagainstherfeet，fairasBombyca’s"feetofcarvenivory"intheSicilianidyll，longago。

{4}Itischaracteristicofthepoetthatthetwoloversbegintowrangleaboutwhichlovesbest，intheverymouthofdanger，whileAucassinisyetinprison，andthepatrolgodownthemoonlitstreet，withswordsintheirhands，sworntoslayNicolete。Thatistheplaceandtimechosenforthisancientcontroversy。Aucassin’sthreatthatifhelosesNicoletehewillnotwaitforswordorknife，butwilldashhisheadagainstawall，isintheverytemperoftheprisonedwarrior—poet，whoactuallychosethiswayofdeath。

Thenthenightscene，withitsfantasy，andshadow，andmoonlightonflowersandstreet，yieldstoapictureoftheday，withthebirdssinging，andtheshepherdslaughing，inthegreenlinksbetweenwoodandwater。TheretheshepherdstakeNicoleteforafairy，sobrightabeautyshinesabouther。Theirmockery，theirindependence，maymakeusconsideragainourideasofearlyFeudalism。Probablytheywereintheserviceoftownsmen，whosegoodtowntreatedtheCountasnomorethananequalofitscorporatedignity。ThebowerofbranchesbuiltbyNicoleteiscertainlyoneoftheplaceswheretheminstrelhimselfhasrestedandbeenpleasedwithhiswork。Onecanfeelitstill，thecoolofthatclearsummernight，thesweetsmellofbrokenboughs，andtroddengrass，anddeepdew，andtheshiningofthestarthatAucassindeemedwasthetranslatedspiritofhislady。Romancehastouchedthebookherewithhermagic，asshehastouchedthelineswherewereadhowConsuelocamebymoonlighttotheCanon’sgardenandthewhiteflowers。ThepleasurehereisthekeenerforcontrastwiththelucklesshindwhomAucassinencounteredintheforest:themanwhohadlosthismaster’sox，theungainlymanwhowept，becausehismother’sbedhadbeentakenfromunderhertopayhisdebt。ThismanwasinthatestatewhichAchilles，inHades，preferredabovethekingshipofthedeadoutworn。Hewashindandhirelingtoavillein，[Greektext]

Itisanunexpectedtouchofpityforthepeople，andforotherthanlove—sorrows，inapoemintendedforthegreatandcourtlypeopleofchivalry。

Atlasttheloversmeet，inthelodgeofflowersbeneaththestars。

Herethestoryshouldend，thoughonecouldillsparetheprettylecturethegirlreadsherloverastheyrideatadventure，andthepictureofNicolete，withherbrownstain，andjogleor’sattire，andherviol，playingbeforeAucassininhisowncastleofBiaucaire。

TheburlesqueinterludeofthecountryofToreloreislikeapageoutofRabelais，stitchedintothecante—fablebymistake。AtsuchlandsasTorelorePantagruelandPanurgetouchedmanyatimeintheirvaguevoyaging。Nobody，perhaps，cancareverymuchaboutNicolete’sadventuresinCarthage，andherrecognitionbyherPaynimkindred。IftheoldcaptivehadbeenaprisoneramongtheSaracens，hewastooindolentorincurioustomakeuseofhisknowledge。Hehurriesontohisjourney’send；

"Journeysendinloversmeeting。"

Sohefinishesthetale。Whatlivesinit，whatmakesitlive，isthetouchofpoetry，oftenderheart，ofhumorousresignation。Theoldcaptivesaysthestorywillgladdensadmen:—

"Nushomn’estsiesbahis，tantdolansnientrepris，degrantmalamaladis，seill’oit，nesoitgaris，etdejoieresbaudis，tantparestdouce。"

ThisserviceitdidforM。Bida，thepainter，ashetellsuswhenhetranslatedAucassinin1870。Indarkanddarkeningdays，patriaitemporeiniquo，wetoohaveturnedtoAucassinetNicolete。{5}

BALLADEOFAUCASSIN

WheresmooththeSouthernwatersrunThroughrustlingleaguesofpoplarsgray，BeneathaveiledsoftSouthernsun，WewanderedoutofYesterday；

WentMayinginthatancientMayWhosefallenflowersarefragrantyet，AndlingeredbythefountainsprayWithAucassinandNicolete。

ThegrassgrownpathsaretrodofnoneWherethroughthewoodstheywentastray；

Thespider’straceriesarespunAcrossthedarklingforestway；

TherecomenoKnightsthatridetoslay，NoPilgrimsthroughthegrasseswet，NoshepherdladsthatsangtheirsayWithAucassinandNicolete。

’TwasherebyNicoletebegunHerlodgeofboughsandblossomsgay；

’Scapedfromthecellofmarbledun’TwasheretheloverfoundtheFay；

Oloversfond，Ofoolishplay！

Howhardwefindittoforget，Whofainwoulddwellwiththemasthey，WithAucassinandNicolete。

ENVOY。

Prince，’tisamelancholylay！

ForYouth，forLifewebothregret:

Howfairtheyseem；howfaraway，WithAucassinandNicolete。

A。L。

BALLADEOFNICOLETE

AllbathedinpearlandamberlightSherosetoflingthelatticewide，Andleanedintothefragrantnight，Wherebrownbirdssangofsummertide；

（’TwasLove’sownvoicethatcalledandcried）

"Ah，Sweet！"shesaid，"I’llseektheeyet，ThoughthorniestpathwaysshouldbetideThefairwhitefeetofNicolete。"

Theyslept，whowouldhavestayedherflight；

（Fullfainweretheythemaidhaddied！）

Shedroppedadownherprison’sheightOnstrandsoflinenfeatlytied。

Andsoshepassedthegarden—sideWithloose—leavedrosessweetlyset，Anddaintydaisies，darkbesideThefairwhitefeetofNicolete！

Herloverlayinevilplight（Somanyloversyetabide！）

IwouldmytonguecouldpraisearightHername，thatshouldbeglorified。

Thoseloversnow，whomfoesdivideAlittleweep，——andsoonforget。

HowfarfromthesefaintloversglideThefairwhitefeetofNicolete。

ENVOY。

MyPrincess，doffthyfrozenpride，NorscorntopayLove’sgoldendebt，ThroughhisdimwoodlandtakeforguideThefairwhitefeetofNicolete。

GRAHAMR。TOMSON

THESONG—STORYOFAUCASSINANDNICOLETE

’TisofAucassinandNicolete。

WhowouldlisttothegoodlayGladnessofthecaptivegrey？

’Tishowtwoyoungloversmet，AucassinandNicolete，OfthepainstheloverboreAndthesorrowsheoutwore，Forthegoodnessandthegrace，Ofhislove，sofairofface。

Sweetthesong，thestorysweet，Thereisnomanhearkensit，Nomanliving’neaththesun，Sooutwearied，soforedone，Sickandwoful，wornandsad，Butishealed，butisglad’Tissosweet。

Sosaythey，speakthey，telltheytheTale:

HowtheCountBougarsdeValencemadewaronCountGarindeBiaucaire，warsogreat，andsomarvellous，andsomortalthatneveradaydawnedbutalwayhewasthere，bythegatesandwalls，andbarriersofthetownwithahundredknights，andtenthousandmenatarms，horsemenandfootmen:soburnedhetheCount’sland，andspoiledhiscountry，andslewhismen。NowtheCountGarindeBiaucairewasoldandfrail，andhisgooddaysweregoneover。Noheirhadhe，neithersonnordaughter，saveoneyoungmanonly；suchanoneasIshalltellyou。Aucassinwasthenameofthedamoiseau:

fairwashe，goodly，andgreat，andfeatlyfashionedofhisbody，andlimbs。Hishairwasyellow，inlittlecurls，hiseyesblueandlaughing，hisfacebeautifulandshapely，hisnosehighandwellset，andsorichlyseenwasheinallthingsgood，thatinhimwasnoneevilatall。ButsosuddenlyovertakenwasheofLove，whoisagreatmaster，thathewouldnot，ofhiswill，bedubbedknight，nortakearms，norfollowtourneys，nordowhatsoeverhimbeseemed。

Thereforehisfatherandmothersaidtohim；

"Son，gotakethinearms，mountthyhorse，andholdthyland，andhelpthymen，foriftheyseetheeamongthem，morestoutlywilltheykeepinbattletheirlives，andlands，andthine，andmine。"

"Father，"saidAucassin，"Imarvelthatyouwillbespeaking。NevermayGodgivemeaughtofmydesireifIbemadeknight，ormountmyhorse，orfacestourandbattlewhereinknightssmiteandaresmittenagain，unlessthougivemeNicolete，mytruelove，thatI

lovesowell。"

"Son，"saidthefather，"thismaynotbe。LetNicoletego，aslavegirlsheis，outofastrangeland，andthecaptainofthistownboughtheroftheSaracens，andcarriedherhither，andhathrearedherandletchristenthemaid，andtookherforhisdaughterinGod，andonedaywillfindayoungmanforher，towinherbreadhonourably。Hereinhastthounaughttomakeormend，butifawifethouwilthave，IwillgivetheethedaughterofaKing，oraCount。

ThereisnomansorichinFrance，butifthoudesirehisdaughter，thoushalthaveher。"

"Faith！myfather，"saidAucassin，"tellmewhereistheplacesohighinalltheworld，thatNicolete，mysweetladyandlove，wouldnotgraceitwell？IfshewereEmpressofConstantinopleorofGermany，orQueenofFranceorEngland，itwerelittleenoughforher；sogentleissheandcourteous，anddebonaire，andcompactofallgoodqualities。"

Heresingethone:

AucassinwasofBiaucaireOfagoodlycastlethere，ButfromNicoletethefairNonemightwinhisheartawayThoughhisfather，manyaday，Andhismothersaidhimnay，"Ha！fondchild，whatwouldestthou？

Nicoleteisgladenow！

WasfromCarthagecastaway，Paynimssoldheronaday！

WouldstthouwinaladyfairChooseamaidofhighdegreeSuchanoneismeetforthee。"

"NayoftheseIhavenocare，Nicoleteisdebonaire，HerbodysweetandthefaceofherTakemyheartasinasnare，LoyalloveisbuthershareThatissosweet。"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhentheCountGarindeBiaucaireknewthathewouldavailnottowithdrawAucassinhissonfromtheloveofNicolete，hewenttotheCaptainofthecity，whowashisman，andspaketohim，saying:

"SirCount；awaywithNicoletethydaughterinGod；cursedbethelandwhenceshewasbroughtintothiscountry，forbyreasonofherdoIloseAucassin，thatwillneitherbedubbedknight，nordoaughtofthethingsthatfalltohimtobedone。Andwityewell，"hesaid，"thatifImighthaveheratmywill，Iwouldburnherinafire，andyourselfmightwellbesoreadread。"

"Sir，"saidtheCaptain，"thisisgrievoustomethathecomesandgoesandhathspeechwithher。Ihadboughtthemaidenatmineowncharges，andnourishedher，andbaptized，andmadehermydaughterinGod。Yea，Iwouldhavegivenhertoayoungmanthatshouldwinherbreadhonourably。WiththishadAucassinthysonnaughttomakeormend。But，sithitisthywillandthypleasure，Iwillsendherintothatlandandthatcountrywhereneverwillheseeherwithhiseyes。"

"Haveaheedtothyself，"saidtheCountGarin，"thencemightgreatevilcomeonthee。"

Sopartedtheyeachfromother。NowtheCaptainwasarightrichman:sohadhearichpalacewithagardeninfaceofit；inanupperchamberthereofheletplaceNicolete，withoneoldwomantokeephercompany，andinthatchamberputbreadandmeatandwineandsuchthingsaswereneedful。Thenheletsealthedoor，thatnonemightcomeinorgoforth，savethattherewasonewindow，overagainstthegarden，andstraitenough，wherethroughcametothemalittleair。

Heresingethone:

NicoleteasyeheardtellPrisonediswithinacellThatispaintedwondrouslyWithcoloursofafarcountrie，Andthewindowofmarblewrought，Therethemaidenstoodinthought，WithstraightbrowsandyellowhairNeversawyefairerfair！

Onthewoodshegazedbelow，Andshesawtherosesblow，Heardthebirdssingloudandlow，Thereforespokeshewofully:

"Ahme，whereforedoIlieHereinprisonwrongfully:

Aucassin，mylove，myknight，AmInotthyheart’sdelight，Thouthatlovestmearight！

’TisfortheethatImustdwellInthevaultedchambercell，Hardbesetandallalone！

ByourLadyMary’sSonHerenolongerwillIwonn，IfImayflee！

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

Nicoletewasinprison，asyehaveheardsoothly，inthechamber。

Andthenoiseandbruitofitwentthroughallthecountryandalltheland，howthatNicoletewaslost。Somesaidshehadfledthecountry，andsomethattheCountGarindeBiaucairehadletslayher。Whosoeverhadjoythereof，Aucassinhadnone，sohewenttotheCaptainofthetownandspoketohim，saying:

"SirCaptain，whathastthoumadeofNicolete，mysweetladyandlove，thethingthatbestIloveinalltheworld？Hastthoucarriedherofforravishedherawayfromme？KnowwellthatifI

dieofit，thepriceshallbedemandedofthee，andthatwillbewelldone，foritshallbeevenasifthouhadstslainmewiththytwohands，forthouhasttakenfrommethethingthatinthisworldIlovedthebest。"

"FairSir，"saidtheCaptain，"letthesethingsbe。NicoleteisacaptivethatIdidbringfromastrangecountry。Yea，IboughtheratmyownchargesoftheSaracens，andIbredherupandbaptizedher，andmadehermydaughterinGod。AndIhavecherishedher，andoneofthesedaysIwouldhavegivenherayoungman，towinherbreadhonourably。Withthishastthounaughttomake，butdothoutakethedaughterofaKingoraCount。Naymore，whatwouldstthoudeemtheetohavegained，hadstthoumadeherthyleman，andtakenhertothybed？Plentifullackofcomforthadstthougotthereby，forinHellwouldthysoulhavelainwhiletheworldendures，andintoParadisewouldstthouhaveenterednever。"

"InParadisewhathaveItowin？ThereinIseeknottoenter，butonlytohaveNicolete，mysweetladythatIlovesowell。ForintoParadisegononebutsuchfolkasIshalltelltheenow:Thithergothesesameoldpriests，andhaltoldmenandmaimed，whoalldayandnightcowercontinuallybeforethealtars，andinthecrypts；andsuchfolkaswearoldamicesandoldcloutedfrocks，andnakedfolkandshoeless，andcoveredwithsores，perishingofhungerandthirst，andofcold，andoflittleease。ThesebetheythatgointoParadise，withthemhaveInaughttomake。ButintoHellwouldI

faingo；forintoHellfarethegoodlyclerks，andgoodlyknightsthatfallintourneysandgreatwars，andstoutmenatarms，andallmennoble。WiththesewouldIlieflygo。Andthitherpassthesweetladiesandcourteousthathavetwolovers，orthree，andtheirlordsalsothereto。Thithergoesthegold，andthesilver，andclothofvair，andclothofgris，andharpers，andmakers，andtheprinceofthisworld。WiththeseIwouldgladlygo，letmebuthavewithme，Nicolete，mysweetestlady。"

"Certes，"quoththeCaptain，"invainwiltthouspeakthereof，fornevershaltthouseeher；andifthouhadstwordwithher，andthyfatherknewit，hewouldletburninafirebothherandme，andthyselfmightwellbesoreadread。"

"Thatisevenwhatirkethme，"quothAucassin。SohewentfromtheCaptainsorrowing。

Heresingethone:

AucassindidsodepartMuchindoleandheavyatheartForhislovesobrightanddear，Nonemightbringhimanycheer，Nonemightgivegoodwordstohear，TothepalacedothhefareClimbethupthepalace—stair，Passethtoachamberthere，Thusgreatsorrowdothhebear，Forhisladyandlovesofair。

"Nicoletehowfairartthou，Sweetthyfoot—fall，sweetthineeyes，Sweetthemirthofthyreplies，Sweetthylaughter，sweetthyface，Sweetthylipsandsweetthybrow，Andthetouchofthineembrace，AllfortheeIsorrownow，Captiveinanevilplace，WhenceIne’ermaygomywaysSister，sweetfriend！"

Sosaythey，speakthey，telltheytheTale:

WhileAucassinwasinthechambersorrowingforNicoletehislove，eventhentheCountBougarsdeValence，thathadhiswartowage，forgatitnowhit，buthadcalleduphishorsemenandhisfootmen，somadeheforthecastletostormit。Andthecryofbattlearose，andthedin，andknightsandmenatarmsbuskedthem，andrantowallsandgatestoholdthekeep。Andthetowns—folkmountedtothebattlements，andcastdownboltsandpikes。Thenwhiletheassaultwasgreat，andevenatitsheight，theCountGarindeBiaucairecameintothechamberwhereAucassinwasmakinglament，sorrowingforNicolete，hissweetladythathelovedsowell。

"Ha！son，"quothhe，"howcaitiffartthou，andcowardly，thatcanstseemenassailthygoodliestcastleandstrongest。Knowthouthatifthouloseit，thoulosestall。Son，goto，takearms，andmountthyhorse，anddefendthyland，andhelpthymen，andfareintothestour。Thouneedstnotsmitenorbesmitten。Iftheydobutseetheeamongthem，betterwilltheyguardtheirsubstance，andtheirlives，andthylandandmine。Andthouartsogreat，andhardyofthyhands，thatwellmightstthoudothisthing，andtodoitisthydevoir。"

"Father，"saidAucassin，"whatisthisthousayestnow？Godgrantmeneveraughtofmydesire，ifIbedubbedknight，ormountsteed，orgointothestourwhereknightsdosmiteandaresmitten，ifthougivestmenotNicolete，mysweetlady，whomIlovesowell。"

"Son，"quothhisfather，"thismayneverbe:ratherwouldIbequitedisinheritedandloseallthatismine，thanthatthoushouldsthavehertothywife，ortoloveparamours。"

Soheturnedhimabout。ButwhenAucassinsawhimgoinghecalledtohimagain，saying，"Father，gotonow，Iwillmakewiththeefaircovenant。"

"Whatcovenant，fairson？"

"Iwilltakeuparms，andgointothestour，onthiscovenant，that，ifGodbringmebacksoundandsafe，thouwiltletmeseeNicoletemysweetlady，evensolongthatImayhaveofhertwowordsorthree，andonekiss。"

"ThatwillIgrant，"saidhisfather。

AtthiswasAucassinglad。

Hereonesingeth:

OfthekissheardAucassinThatreturningheshallwin。

NonesogladwouldhehavebeenOfamyriadmarksofgoldOfahundredthousandtold。

Calledforraimentbraveofsteel，Thentheycladhim，headtoheel，Twyfoldhauberkdothhedon，Firmlybracedthehelmeton。

Girttheswordwithhiltofgold，Horsedothmount，andlancedothwield，Lookstostirrupsandtoshield，Wondrousbraveherodetofield。

DreamingofhisladydearSettethspurstothedestrere，Ridethforwardwithoutfear，ThroughthegateandforthawayTothefray。

Sospeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

Aucassinwasarmedandmountedasyehaveheardtell。God！howgoodlysattheshieldonhisshoulder，thehelmonhishead，andthebaldriconhislefthaunch！Andthedamoiseauwastall，fair，featlyfashioned，andhardyofhishands，andthehorsewhereonherodeswiftandkeen，andstraighthadhespurredhimforthofthegate。Nowbelieveyenotthathismindwasonkine，norcattleofthebooty，northoughthehowhemightstrikeaknight，norbestrickenagain:nornosuchthing。Nay，nomemoryhadAucassinofaughtofthese；ratherhesodreamedofNicolete，hissweetlady，thathedroppedhisreins，forgettingalltherewastodo，andhishorsethathadfeltthespur，borehimintothepressandhurledamongthefoe，andtheylaidhandsonhimallabout，andtookhimcaptive，andseizedawayhisspearandshield，andstraightwaytheyledhimoffaprisoner，andwereevennowdiscoursingofwhatdeathheshoulddie。

AndwhenAucassinheardthem，"Ha！God，"saidhe，"sweetSaviour。Bethesemydeadlyenemiesthathavetakenme，andwillsooncutoffmyhead？Andoncemyheadisoff，nomoreshallIspeakwithNicolete，mysweetlady，thatIlovesowell。NathelesshaveIhereagoodsword，andsitagoodhorseunwearied。IfnowIkeepnotmyheadforhersake，Godhelphernever，ifshelovememore！"

Thedamoiseauwastallandstrong，andthehorsewhereonhesatwasrighteager。Andhelaidhandtosword，andfella—smitingtorightandleft，andsmotethroughhelmandnasal，andarmandclenchedhand，makingamurderabouthim，likeawildboarwhenhoundsfallonhimintheforest，eventillhestruckdowntenknights，andsevenbehurt，andstraightwayhehurledoutofthepress，androdebackagainatfullspeed，swordinhand。TheCountBougarsdeValenceheardsaytheywereabouthangingAucassin，hisenemy，sohecameintothatplace，andAucassinwaswareofhim，andgathisswordintohishand，andlashedathishelmwithsuchastrokethathedraveitdownonhishead，andhebeingstunned，fellgrovelling。

AndAucassinlaidhandsonhim，andcaughthimbythenasalofhishelmet，andgavehimtohisfather。

"Father，"quothAucassin，"lohereisyourmortalfoe，whohathsowarredonyouwithallmalengin。Fulltwentyyearsdidthiswarendure，andmightnotbeendedbyman。"

"Fairson，"saidhisfather，"thyfeatsofyouthshouldstthoudo，andnotseekafterfolly。"

"Father，"saithAucassin，"sermonmenosermons，butfulfilmycovenant。"

"Ha！whatcovenant，fairson？"

"What，father，hastthouforgottenit？Bymineownhead，whosoeverforgets，willInotforgetit，somuchithathmeatheart。DidstthounotcovenantwithmewhenItookuparms，andwentintothestour，thatifGodbroughtmebacksafeandsound，thouwouldstletmeseeNicolete，mysweetlady，evensolongthatImayhaveofhertwowordsorthree，andonekiss？Sodidstthoucovenant，andmymindisthatthoukeepthyword。"

"I！"quoththefather，"GodforsakemewhenIkeepthiscovenant！

Nay，ifshewerehere，Iwouldletburnherinthefire，andthyselfshouldstbesoreadread。"

"Isthisthylastword？"quothAucassin。

"SohelpmeGod，"quothhisfather，"yea！"

"Certes，"quothAucassin，"thisisasorrythingmeseems，whenamanofthineagelies！"

"CountofValence，"quothAucassin，"Itookthee？"

"Insooth，Sir，didstthou，"saiththeCount。

"Givemethyhand，"saithAucassin。

"Sir，withgoodwill。"

Sohesethishandintheother’s。

"Nowgivestthoumethyword，"saithAucassin，"thatneverwhilesthouartlivingmanwiltthouavailtodomyfatherdishonour，orharmhiminbody，oringoods，butdoitthouwilt？"

"Sir，inGod’sname，"saithhe，"mockmenot，butputmetomyransom；yecannotaskofmegoldnorsilver，horsesnorpalfreys，vairnorgris，hawksnorhounds，butIwillgiveyouthem。"

"What？"quothAucassin。"Ha，knowestthounotitwasIthattookthee？"

"Yea，sir，"quoththeCountBougars。

"Godhelpmenever，butIwillmakethyheadflyfromthyshoulders，ifthoumakestnottroth，"saidAucassin。

"InGod’sname，"saidhe，"Imakewhatpromisethouwilt。"

Sotheydidtheoath，andAucassinletmounthimonahorse，andtookanotherandsoledhimbacktillhewasallinsafety。

Hereonesingeth:

WhentheCountGarindothknowThathischildwouldne’erforegoLoveofherthatlovedhimso，Nicolete，thebrightofbrow，InadungeondeepbelowChildeAucassindidhethrow。

EventheretheChildemustdwellInadun—walledmarblecell。

TherehewailethinhiswoeCryingthusasyeshallknow。

"Nicolete，thoulilywhite，Mysweetlady，brightofbrow，Sweeterthanthegrapeartthou，SweeterthansackpossetgoodInacupofmaplewood！

WasitnotbutyesterdayThatapalmercamethisway，OutofLimousincamehe，Andateasehemightnotbe，ForapassionhimpossessedThatuponhisbedhelay，Lay，andtossed，andknewnotrestInhispaindiscomforted。

Butthoucamestbythebed，Wherehetossedamidhispain，Holdinghighthysweepingtrain，Andthykirtleofermine，Andthysmockoflinenfine，Thenthesefairwhitelimbsofthine，Didhelookon，anditfellThatthepalmerstraightwaswell，Straightwashale——andcomforted，Andheroseupfromhisbed，Andwentbacktohisownplace，Soundandstrong，andfullofface！

Mysweetlady，lilywhite，Sweetthyfootfall，sweetthineeyes，Andthemirthofthyreplies。

Sweetthylaughter，sweetthyface，Sweetthylipsandsweetthybrow，Andthetouchofthineembrace。

Whobutdothintheedelight？

IforloveoftheeamboundInthisdungeonunderground，AllforlovingtheemustlieHerewhereloudontheeIcry，HereforlovingtheemustdieForthee，mylove。"

Thensaythey，speakthey，telltheytheTale:

Aucassinwascastintoprisonasyehaveheardtell，andNicolete，ofherpart，wasinthechamber。Nowitwassummertime，themonthofMay，whendaysarewarm，andlong，andclear，andthenightstillandserene。Nicoletelayonenightonherbed，andsawthemoonshineclearthroughawindow，yea，andheardthenightingalesinginthegarden，soshemindedherofAucassinherloverwhomshelovedsowell。ThenfellshetothoughtsofCountGarindeBiaucaire，thathatedhertothedeath；thereforedeemedshethatthereshewouldnolongerabide，forthat，ifsheweretoldof，andtheCountknewwhereasshelay，anilldeathwouldhemakeherdie。Nowsheknewthattheoldwomansleptwhoheldhercompany。Thenshearose，andcladherinamantleofsilkshehadbyher，verygoodly，andtooknapkins，andsheetsofthebed，andknottedonetotheother，andmadetherewithacordaslongasshemight，soknittedittoapillarinthewindow，andletherselfslipdownintothegarden，thencaughtupherraimentinbothhands，behindandbefore，andkiltedupherkirtle，becauseofthedewthatshesawlyingdeeponthegrass，andsowentherwaydownthroughthegarden。

Herlockswereyellowandcurled，hereyesblueandsmiling，herfacefeatlyfashioned，thenosehighandfairlyset，thelipsmoreredthancherryorroseintimeofsummer，herteethwhiteandsmall；herbreastssofirmthattheyboreupthefoldsofherbodiceastheyhadbeentwoapples；soslimshewasinthewaistthatyourtwohandsmighthaveclippedher，andthedaisyflowersthatbrakebeneathherasshewenttip—toe，andthatbentaboveherinstep，seemedblackagainstherfeet，sowhitewasthemaiden。Shecametotheposterngate，andunbarredit，andwentoutthroughthestreetsofBiaucaire，keepingalwaysontheshadowyside，forthemoonwasshiningrightclear，andsowanderedshetillshecametothetowerwhereherloverlay。Thetowerwasflankedwithbuttresses，andshecoweredunderoneofthem，wrappedinhermantle。Thenthrustsheherheadthroughacreviceofthetowerthatwasoldandworn，andsoheardsheAucassinwailingwithin，andmakingdoleandlamentforthesweetladyhelovedsowell。Andwhenshehadlistenedtohimshebegantosay:

Hereonesingeth:

NicoletethebrightofbrowOnapillarleanestthou，AllAucassin’swaildosthearForhislovethatissodear，Thenthouspakest，shrillandclear，"GentleknightwithoutenfearLittlegoodbefalleththee，Littlehelpofsighortear，Ne’ershaltthouhavejoyofme。

Nevershaltthouwinme；stillAmIheldinevilwillOfthyfatherandthykin，ThereforemustIcrossthesea，Andanotherlandmustwin。"

Thenshecuthercurlsofgold，Casttheminthedungeonhold，Aucassindothclaspthemthere，Kissedthecurlsthatweresofair，Themdothinhisbosombear，Thenhewept，evenasofold，Allforhislove！

Thensaythey，speakthey，telltheytheTale:

WhenAucassinheardNicoletesaythatshewouldpassintoafarcountry，hewasallinwrath。

"Fairsweetfriend，"quothhe，"thoushaltnotgo，forthenwouldstthoubemydeath。Andthefirstmanthatsawtheeandhadthemightwithal，wouldtaketheestraightwayintohisbedtobehisleman。

Andoncethoucamestintoaman’sbed，andthatbednotmine，wityewellthatIwouldnottarrytillIhadfoundaknifetopiercemyheartandslaymyself。Nay，verily，waitsolongIwouldnot:butwouldhurlmyselfonitsosoonasIcouldfindawall，orablackstone，thereonwouldIdashmyheadsomightily，thattheeyeswouldstart，andmybrainburst。RatherwouldIdieevensuchadeath，thanknowthouhadstlaininaman’sbed，andthatbednotmine。"

"Aucassin，"shesaid，"Itrowthoulovestmenotasmuchasthousayest，butIlovetheemorethanthoulovestme。"

"Ah，fairsweetfriend，"saidAucassin，"itmaynotbethatthoushouldstlovemeevenasIlovethee。Womanmaynotlovemanasmanloveswoman，forawoman’sloveliesintheglanceofhereye，andthebudofherbreast，andherfoot’stip—toe，buttheloveofmanisinhisheartplanted，whenceitcanneverissueforthandpassaway。"

NowwhileAucassinandNicoleteheldthisparleytogether，thetown’sguardscamedownastreet，withswordsdrawnbeneaththeircloaks，fortheCountGarinhadchargedthemthatiftheycouldtakehertheyshouldslayher。Butthesentinelthatwasonthetowersawthemcoming，andheardthemspeakingofNicoleteastheywent，andthreateningtoslayher。

"God！"quothhe，"thisweregreatpitytoslaysofairamaid！

RightgreatcharityitwereifIcouldsayaughttoher，andtheyperceiveitnot，andsheshouldbeonherguardagainstthem，foriftheyslayher，thenwereAucassin，mydamoiseau，dead，andthatweregreatpity。"

Hereonesingeth:

Valiantwasthesentinel，Courteous，kind，andpractisedwell，SoasongdidsingandtellOftheperilthatbefell。

"Maidenfairthatlingeresthere，Gentlemaidofmerrycheer，Hairofgold，andeyesasclearAsthewaterinamere，Thou，meseems，hastspokenwordTothyloverandthylord，Thatwoulddieforthee，hisdear；