第2章

Nowbewaretheillaccord，Ofthecloakedmenofthesword，Thesehaveswornandkeeptheirword，TheywillputtheetotheswordSavethoutakeheed！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

"Ha！"quothNicolete，"bethesoulofthyfatherandthesoulofthymotherintherestofParadise，sofairlyandsocourteouslyhastthouspokenme！PleaseGod，Iwillberightwareofthem，Godkeepmeoutoftheirhands。"

Sosheshrankunderhermantleintotheshadowofthepillartilltheyhadpassedby，andthentookshefarewellofAucassin，andsofaredtillshecameuntothecastlewall。Nowthatwallwaswastedandbroken，andsomedealmended，sosheclombthereontillshecamebetweenwallandfosse，andsolookeddown，andsawthatthefossewasdeepandsteep，whereatshewassoreadread。

"AhGod，"saithshe，"sweetSaviour！IfIletmyselffallhence，I

shallbreakmyneck，andifhereIabide，to—morrowtheywilltakemeandburnmeinafire。YetlieferwouldIperishherethanthatto—morrowthefolkshouldstareonmeforagazing—stock。"

Thenshecrossedherself，andsoletherselfslipintothefosse，andwhenshehadcometothebottom，herfairfeet，andfairhandsthathadnotcustomthereof，werebruisedandfrayed，andthebloodspringingfromadozenplaces，yetfeltshenopainnorhurt，byreasonofthegreatdreadwhereinshewent。Butifshewereincumbertowinthere，inworsewasshetowinout。Butshedeemedthattheretoabidewasofnoneavail，andshefoundapikesharpened，thattheyofthecityhadthrownouttokeepthehold。

Therewithmadesheonesteppingplaceafteranother，till，withmuchtravail，sheclimbedthewall。Nowtheforestlaywithintwocrossbowshots，andtheforestwasofthirtyleaguesthiswayandthat。Thereinalsowerewildbeasts，andbeastsserpentine，andshefearedthatifsheenteredtheretheywouldslayher。Butanonshedeemedthatifmenfoundhertheretheywouldhaleherbackintothetowntoburnher。

Hereonesingeth:

Nicolete，thefairofface，Climbeduponthecopingstone，TheremadeshelamentandmoanCallingonourLordaloneForhismercyandhisgrace。

"Father，kingofMajesty，Listen，forInothingknowWheretofleeorwhithergo。

IfwithinthewoodIfare，Lo，thewolveswillslaymethere，Boarsandlionsterrible，Manyinthewildwooddwell，ButifIabidetheday，Surelyworsewillcomeofit，SurelywillthefirebelitThatshallburnmybodyaway，Jesus，lordofMajesty，Betterseemethittome，ThatwithinthewoodIfare，ThoughthewolvesdevourmethereThanwithinthetowntogo，Ne’erbeitso！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

Nicoletemadegreatmoan，asyehaveheard；thencommendedsheherselftoGod，andanonfaredtillshecameuntotheforest。Buttogodeepinitshedarednot，byreasonofthewildbeasts，andbeastsserpentine。Anoncreptsheintoalittlethicket，wheresleepcameuponher，andsheslepttillprimenextday，whentheshepherdsissuedforthfromthetownanddrovetheirbestialbetweenwoodandwater。Anoncametheyallintooneplacebyafairfountainwhichwasonthefringeoftheforest，therebyspreadtheyamantle，andthereonsetbread。Sowhiletheywereeating，Nicoletewakened，withthesoundofthesingingbirds，andtheshepherds，andshewentuntothem，saying，"Fairboys，ourLordkeepyou！"

"Godblessthee，"quothhethathadmorewordstohistonguethantherest。

"Fairboys，"quothshe，"knowyeAucassin，thesonofCountGarindeBiaucaire？"

"Yea，wellweknowhim。"

"SomayGodhelpyou，fairboys，"quothshe，"tellhimthereisabeastinthisforest，andbidhimcomechaseit，andifhecantakeit，hewouldnotgiveonelimbthereofforahundredmarksofgold，nay，norforfivehundred，norforanyransom。"

Thenlookedtheyonher，andsawhersofairthattheywereallastonied。

"WillItellhimthereof？"quothhethathadmorewordstohistonguethantherest；"foulfallhimwhospeaksofthethingortellshimthetidings。Thesearebutvisionsyetellof，forthereisnobeastsogreatinthisforest，stag，norlion，norboar，thatoneofhislimbsisworthmorethantwodeniers，orthreeatthemost，andyespeakofsuchgreatransom。Foulfallhimthatbelievesyourword，andhimthattellethAucassin。YebeaFairy，andwehavenonelikingforyourcompany，nay，holdonyourroad。"

"Nay，fairboys，"quothshe，"nay，yewilldomybidding。ForthisbeastissomightyofmedicinethattherebywillAucassinbehealedofhistorment。Andlo！Ihavefivesolsinmypurse，takethem，andtellhim:forwithinthreedaysmusthecomehuntingithither，andifwithinthreedayshefinditnot，neverwillhebehealedofhistorment。"

"Myfaith，"quothhe，"themoneywillwetake，andifhecomehitherwewilltellhim，butseekhimwewillnot。"

"InGod’sname，"quothshe；andsotookfarewelloftheshepherds，andwentherway。

Heresingethone:

NicoletethebrightofbrowFromtheshepherdsdothshepassAllbelowtheblossomedboughWhereanancientwaytherewas，Overgrownandchokedwithgrass，Tillshefoundthecross—roadswhereSevenpathsdoallwayfare，Thenshedeemethshewilltry，Shouldherloverpassthereby，Ifheloveherloyally。

Soshegatheredwhitelilies，Oak—leaf，thatingreenwoodis，LeavesofmanyabranchIwis，Therewithbuiltalodgeofgreen，Goodlierwasneverseen，SworebyGodwhomaynotlie，"Ifmylovethelodgeshouldspy，HewillrestawhiletherebyIfhelovemeloyally。"

Thushisfaithshedeemedtotry，"OrIlovehimnot，notI，Norhelovesme！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

Nicoletebuiltherlodgeofboughs，asyehaveheard，rightfairandfeteously，andwoveitwell，withinandwithout，offlowersandleaves。SolayshehardbythelodgeinadeepcoppicetoknowwhatAucassinwilldo。Andthecryandthebruitwentabroadthroughallthecountryandalltheland，thatNicoletewaslost。Sometoldthatshehadfled，andsomethattheCountGarinhadletslayher。

Whosoeverhadjoythereof，nojoyhadAucassin。AndtheCountGarin，hisfather，hadtakenhimoutofprison，andhadsentfortheknightsofthatland，andtheladies，andletmakearightgreatfeast，forthecomfortingofAucassinhisson。Nowatthehightimeofthefeast，wasAucassinleaningfromagallery，allwofulanddiscomforted。Whatsoevermenmightdeviseofmirth，Aucassinhadnojoythereof，nornodesire，forhesawnotherthatheloved。Thenaknightlookedonhim，andcametohim，andsaid:

"Aucassin，ofthatsicknessofthinehaveIbeensick，andgoodcounselwillIgivethee，ifthouwilthearkentome——"

"Sir，"saidAucassin，"gramercy，goodcounselwouldIfainhear。"

"Mountthyhorse，"quothhe，"andgotakethypastimeinyonderforest，therewiltthouseethegoodflowersandgrass，andhearthesweetbirdssing。Perchancethoushalthearsomeword，wherebythoushaltbethebetter。"

"Sir，"quothAucassin，"gramercy，thatwillIdo。"

Hepassedoutofthehall，andwentdownthestairs，andcametothestablewherehishorsewas。Heletsaddleandbridlehim，andmounted，androdeforthfromthecastle，andwanderedtillhecametotheforest，sorodetillhecametothefountainandfoundtheshepherdsatpointofnoon。Andtheyhadamantlestretchedonthegrass，andwereeatingbread，andmakinggreatjoy。

Hereonesingeth:

Thereweregatheredshepherdsall，Martin，Esmeric，andHal，Aubrey，Robin，greatandsmall。

Saiththeone，"Goodfellowsall，GodkeepAucassinthefair，Andthemaidwithyellowhair，Brightofbrowandeyesofvair。

Shethatgaveusgoldtoware。

Cakestherewithtobuyyeknow，Goodlyknivesandsheathsalso。

Flutestoplay，andpipestoblow，MayGodhimheal！"

Herespeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhenAucassinheardtheshepherds，anonhebethoughthimofNicolete，hissweetladyhelovedsowell，andhedeemedthatshehadpassedthereby；thensethespurstohishorse，andsocametotheshepherds。

"Fairboys，Godbewithyou。"

"Godblessyou，"quothhethathadmorewordstohistonguethantherest。

"Fairboys，"quothAucassin，"saythesongagainthatanonyesang。"

"Sayitwewillnot，"quothhethathadmorewordstohistonguethantherest，"foulfallhimwhowillsingitagainforyou，fairsir！"

"Fairboys，"quothAucassin，"knowyemenot？"

"Yea，weknowwellthatyouareAucassin，outdamoiseau，nathelesswebenotyourmen，buttheCount’s。"

"Fairboys，yetsingitagain，Iprayyou。"

"Hearken！bytheHolyHeart，"quothhe，"whereforeshouldIsingforyou，ifitlikesmenot？Lo，thereisnosuchrichmaninthiscountry，savingthebodyofGarintheCount，thatdaredriveforthmyoxen，ormycows，ormysheep，ifhefindstheminhisfields，orhiscorn，lesthelosehiseyesforit，andwhereforeshouldIsingforyou，ifitlikesmenot？"

"Godbeyouraid，fairboys，singityewill，andtakeyethesetensolsIhavehereinapurse。"

"Sir，themoneywillwetake，butneveranotewillIsing，forI

havegivenmyoath，butIwilltelltheeaplaintale，ifthouwilt。"

"ByGod，"saithAucassin，"Iloveaplaintalebetterthannaught。"

"Sir，wewereinthisplace，alittletimeagone，betweenprimeandtierce，andwereeatingourbreadbythisfountain，evenasnowwedo，andamaidcamepast，thefairestthingintheworld，wherebywedeemedthatsheshouldbeafay，andallthewoodshoneroundabouther。Anonshegaveusofthatshehad，wherebywemadecovenantwithher，thatifyecamehitherwewouldbidyouhuntinthisforest，whereinissuchabeastthat，anyemighttakehim，yewouldnotgiveonelimbofhimforfivehundredmarksofsilver，norfornoransom；forthisbeastissomightyofmedicine，that，anyecouldtakehim，yeshouldbehealedofyourtorment，andwithinthreedaysmustyetakehim，andifyetakehimnotthen，neverwillyelookonhim。Sochaseyethebeast，anyewill，oranyewillletbe，formypromisehaveIkeptwithher。"

"Fairboys，"quothAucassin，"yehavesaidenough。Godgrantmetofindthisquarry。"

Hereonesingeth。

Aucassinwhenhehadheard，Sorewithinhisheartwasstirred，Lefttheshepherdsonthatword，FarintotheforestspurredRodeintothewood；andfleetFledhishorsethroughpathsofit，Threewordsspakeheofhissweet，"Nicoletethefair，thedear，’TisfortheeIfollowhereTrackofboar，norslotofdeer，Butthysweetbodyandeyessoclear，Allthymirthandmerrycheer，Thatmyveryhearthaveslain，SopleaseGodtomemaintainIshallseemyloveagain，Sweetsister，friend！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

AucassinfaredthroughtheforestfrompathtopathafterNicolete，andhishorsebarehimfuriously。Thinkyenotthatthethornshimspared，northebriars，nay，notso，buttarehisraiment，thatscarceaknotmightbetiedwiththesoundestpartthereof，andthebloodsprangfromhisarms，andflanks，andlegs，infortyplaces，orthirty，sothatbehindtheChildemenmightfollowonthetrackofhisbloodinthegrass。ButsomuchhewentinthoughtsofNicolete，hisladysweet，thathefeltnopainnortorment，andallthedayhurledthroughtheforestinthisfashionnorheardnowordofher。AndwhenhesawVespersdrawnigh，hebegantoweepforthathefoundhernot。Alldownanoldroad，andgrassgrownhefared，whenanon，lookingalongthewaybeforehim，hesawsuchanoneasIshalltellyou。Tallwashe，andgreatofgrowth，laidlyandmarvelloustolookupon:hisheadhuge，andblackascharcoal，andmorethanthebreadthofahandbetweenhistwoeyes，andgreatcheeks，andabignoseandbroad，bignostrilsandugly，andthicklipsredderthanacollop，andgreatteethyellowandugly，andhewasshodwithhosenandshoonofbull’shide，boundwithcordsofbarkovertheknee，andallabouthimagreatcloaktwy—fold，andheleanedonagrievouscudgel，andAucassincameuntohim，andwasafraidwhenhebeheldhim。

"Fairbrother，Godaidthee。"

"Godblessyou，"quothhe。

"AsGodhehelpeththee，whatmakestthouhere？"

"Whatisthattothee？"

"Nay，naught，naught，"saithAucassin，"Iaskbutoutofcourtesy。"

"Butforwhomweepestthou，"quothhe，"andmakestsuchheavylament？Certes，wereIasrichamanasthou，thewholeworldshouldnotmakemeweep。"

"Ha！knowyeme？"saithAucassin。

"Yea，IknowwellthatyebeAucassin，thesonoftheCount，andifyetellmeforwhyyeweep，thenwillItellyouwhatImakehere。"

"Certes，"quothAucassin，"Iwilltellyourightgladly。HithercameIthismorningtohuntinthisforest；andwithmeawhitehound，thefairestintheworld；himhaveIlost，andforhimI

weep。"

"BytheHeartourLordbareinhisbreast，"quothhe，"areyeweepingforastinkinghound？Foulfallhimthatholdstheehighhenceforth！forthereisnosuchrichmanintheland，butifthyfatheraskeditofhim，hewouldgivetheeten，orfifteen，ortwenty，andbethegladderforit。ButIhavecausetoweepandmakedole。"

"Whereforeso，brother？"

"Sir，Iwilltellthee。Iwashirelingtoarichvilain，anddrovehisplough；fouroxenhadhe。Butthreedayssincecameonmegreatmisadventure，wherebyIlostthebestofmineoxen，Roger，thebestofmyteam。HimgoIseeking，andhaveneithereatennordrunkenthesethreedays，normayIgotothetown，lesttheycastmeintoprison，seeingthatIhavenotwherewithaltopay。OutofallthewealthoftheworldhaveInomorethanyeseeonmybody。Apoormotherbareme，thathadnomorebutonewretchedbed；thishavetheytakenfromunderher，andsheliesintheverystraw。Thisailsmemorethanmineowncase，forwealthcomesandgoes；ifnowI

havelost，anothertidewillIgain，andwillpayformineoxwhenasImay；neverforthatwillIweep。Butyouweepforastinkinghound。Foulfallwhosothinkswellofthee！"

"Certesthouartagoodcomforter，brother，blessedbethou！Andofwhatpricewasthineox？"

"Sir，theyaskmetwentysolsforhim，whereofIcannotabateonedoit。"

"Nay，then，"quothAucassin，"takethesetwentysolsIhaveinmypurse，andpayforthineox。"

"Sir，"saithhe，"gramercy。AndGodgivetheetofindthatthouseekest。"

Sotheypartedeachfromother，andAucassinrodeon:thenightwasfairandstill，andsolonghewentthathecametothelodgeofboughs，thatNicoletehadbuildedandwovenwithinandwithout，overandunder，withflowers，anditwasthefairestlodgethatmightbeseen。WhenAucassinwaswareofit，hestoppedsuddenly，andthelightofthemoonfelltherein。

"God！"quothAucassin，"herewasNicolete，mysweetlady，andthislodgebuildedshewithherfairhands。Forthesweetnessofit，andforloveofher，willIalight，andrestherethisnightlong。"

Hedrewforthhisfootfromthestirruptoalight，andthesteedwasgreatandtall。HedreamedsomuchonNicoletehisrightsweetlady，thatheslippedonastone，anddravehisshoulderoutofhisplace。Thenknewhethathewashurtsore，nathelessheborehimwithwhatforcehemight，andfastenedwiththeotherhandthemare’ssontoathorn。Thenturnedheonhisside，andcreptbackwiseintothelodgeofboughs。Andhelookedthroughagapinthelodgeandsawthestarsinheaven，andonethatwasbrighterthantherest；sobeganhetosay:

Hereonesingeth:

"Star，thatIfromfarbehold，Star，theMooncallstoherfold，Nicoletewiththeedothdwell，Mysweetlovewithlocksofgold，Godwouldhaveherdwellafar，Dwellwithhimforeveningstar，WouldtoGod，whate’erbefell，WouldthatwithherImightdwell。

Iwouldcliphercloseandstrait，Nay，wereIofmuchestate，Someking’ssondesirable，Worthyshetobemymate，Metokissandclipmewell，Sister，sweetfriend！"

Sospeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhenNicoleteheardAucassin，rightsocamesheuntohim，forshewasnotfaraway。Shepassedwithinthelodge，andthrewherarmsabouthisneck，andclippedandkissedhim。

"Fairsweetfriend，welcomebethou。"

"Andthou，fairsweetlove，bethouwelcome。"

Soeitherkissedandclippedtheother，andfairjoywasthembetween。

"Ha！sweetlove，"quothAucassin，"butnowwasIsorehurt，andmyshoulderwried，butItakenoforceofit，norhavenohurttherefromsinceIhavethee。"

Rightsofeltshehisshoulderandfounditwaswriedfromitsplace。Andshesohandleditwithherwhitehands，andsowroughtinhersurgery，thatbyGod’swillwholovethlovers，itwentbackintoitsplace。Thentooksheflowers，andfreshgrass，andleavesgreen，andboundtheseherbsonthehurtwithastripofhersmock，andhewasallhealed。

"Aucassin，"saithshe，"fairsweetlove，takecounselwhatthouwiltdo。Ifthyfatherletsearchthisforestto—morrow，andmenfindmehere，theywillslayme，cometotheewhatwill。"

"Certes，fairsweetlove，thereforeshouldIsorrowheavily，but，anifImay，nevershalltheytakethee。"

Anongatheonhishorse，andhisladybeforehim，kissingandclippingher，andsorodetheyatadventure。

Hereonesingeth:

Aucassinthefrank，thefair，Aucassinoftheyellowhair，Gentleknight，andtruelover，Fromtheforestdothhefare，Holdshislovebeforehimthere，Kissingcheek，andchin，andeyes，Butshespakeinsoberwise，"Aucassin，trueloveandfair，Towhatlanddowerepair？"

Sweetmylove，Itakenocare，Thouartwithmeeverywhere！

Sotheypassthewoodsanddowns，Passthevillagesandtowns，Hillsanddalesandopenland，Cameatdawntotheseasand，Lighteddownuponthestrand，Besidethesea。

Thensaythey，speakthey，telltheytheTale:

Aucassinlighteddownandhislove，asyehaveheardsing。Heheldhishorsebythebridle，andhisladybythehands；sowenttheyalongtheseashore，andontheseatheysawaship，andhecalleduntothesailors，andtheycametohim。Thenheldhesuchspeechwiththem，thatheandhisladywerebroughtaboardthatship，andwhentheywereonthehighsea，beholdamightywindandtyrannousarose，marvellousandgreat，anddravethemfromlandtoland，tilltheycameuntoastrangecountry，andwonthehavenofthecastleofTorelore。Thenaskedtheywhatthislandmightbe，andmentoldthemthatitwasthecountryoftheKingofTorelore。Thenheaskedwhatmannerofmanwashe，andwastherewarafoot，andmensaid，"Yea，andmighty！"

Therewithtookhefarewellofthemerchants，andtheycommendedhimtoGod。AnonAucassinmountedhishorse，withhisswordgirt，andhisladybeforehim，androdeatadventuretillhewascometothecastle。ThenaskedhewheretheKingwas，andtheysaidthathewasinchildbed。

"Thenwhereishiswife？"

Andtheytoldhimshewaswiththehost，andhadledwithheralltheforceofthatcountry。

NowwhenAucassinheardthatsaying，hemadegreatmarvel，andcameintothecastle，andlighteddown，heandhislady，andhisladyheldhishorse。Rightsowentheupintothecastle，withhisswordgirt，andfaredhitherandthithertillhecametothechamberwheretheKingwaslying。

Hereonesingeth:

AucassinthecourteousknightTothechamberwentforthright，TothebedwithlinendightEvenwheretheKingwaslaid。

Therehestoodbyhimandsaid:

"Fool，whatmak’stthouhereabed？"

QuoththeKing:"IambroughttobedOfafairson，andanonWhenmymonthisoverandgone，Andmyhealingfairlydone，TotheMinsterwillIfareAndwilldomychurchingthere，Asmyfatherdidrepair。

Thenwillsallyforthtowar，ThenwilldrivemyfoesafarFrommycountrie！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhenAucassinheardtheKingspeakonthiswise，hetookallthesheetsthatcoveredhim，andthrewthemallabroadaboutthechamber。Thensawhebehindhimacudgel，andcaughtitintohishand，andturned，andtooktheKing，andbeathimtillhewaswell—

nighdead。

"Ha！fairsir，"quoththeKing，"whatwouldyouwithme？Artthoubesidethyself，thatbeatestmeinmineownhouse？"

"ByGod’sheart，"quothAucassin，"thouillsonofanillwench，I

willslaytheeifthouswearnotthatnevershallanymaninallthylandlieinofchildhenceforthforever。"

Sohedidthatoath，andwhenhehaddoneit，"Sir，"saidAucassin，"bringmenowwherethywifeiswiththehost。"

"Sir，withgoodwill，"quoththeKing。

Hemountedhishorse，andAucassingatonhisown，andNicoleteabodeintheQueen’schamber。AnonrodeAucassinandtheKingeventilltheycametothatplacewheretheQueenwas，andlo！menwerewarringwithbakedapples，andwitheggs，andwithfreshcheeses，andAucassinbegantolookonthem，andmadegreatmarvel。

Hereonesingeth:

Aucassinhishorsedothstay，Fromthesaddlewatchedthefray，Allthestourandfiercearray；

Rightfreshcheesescarriedthey，Applesbaked，andmushroomsgrey，WhososplashethmostthefordHeismastercalledandlord。

Aucassindothgazeawhile，ThenbegantolaughandsmileAndmadegame。

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhenAucassinbeheldthesemarvels，hecametotheKing，andsaid，"Sir，bethesethineenemies？"

"Yea，Sir，"quoththeKing。

"AndwillyethatIshouldavengeyouofthem？"

"Yea，"quothhe，"withallmyheart。"

ThenAucassinputhandtosword，andhurledamongthem，andbegantosmitetotherighthandandtheleft，andslewmanyofthem。AndwhentheKingsawthatheslewthem，hecaughtathisbridleandsaid，"Ha！fairsir，slaythemnotinsuchwise。"

"How，"quothAucassin，"willyenotthatIshouldavengeyouofthem？"

"Sir，"quoththeKing，"overmuchalreadyhastthouavengedme。Itisnowiseourcustomtoslayeachother。"

Anonturnedtheyandfled。ThentheKingandAucassinbetookthemagaintothecastleofTorelore，andthefolkofthatlandcounselledtheKingtoputAucassinforth，andkeepNicoleteforhisson’swife，forthatsheseemedaladyhighoflineage。AndNicoleteheardthem，andhadnojoyofit，sobegantosay:

Heresingethone:

Thusshespakethebrightofbrow:

"LordofToreloreandking，Thyfolkdeemmealightthing，Whenmylovedothmeembrace，Fairhefindsme，ingoodcase，ThenamIinsuchderray，Neitherharp，norlyre，norlay，Dancenorgame，norrebeckplayWeresosweet。"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

AucassindweltinthecastleofTorelore，ingreateaseandgreatdelight，forthathehadwithhimNicoletehissweetlove，whomhelovedsowell。Nowwhilehewasinsuchpleasureandsuchdelight，cameatroopofSaracensbysea，andlaidsiegetothecastleandtookitbymainstrength。Anontooktheythesubstancethatwasthereinandcarriedoffthemenandmaidenscaptives。TheyseizedNicoleteandAucassin，andboundAucassinhandandfoot，andcasthimintooneship，andNicoleteintoanother。Thenrosethereamightywindoversea，andscatteredtheships。NowthatshipwhereinwasAucassin，wentwanderingonthesea，tillitcametothecastleofBiaucaire，andthefolkofthecountryrantogethertowreckher，andtherefoundtheyAucassin，andtheyknewhimagain。

SowhentheyofBiaucairesawtheirdamoiseau，theymadegreatjoyofhim，forAucassinhaddweltfullthreeyearsinthecastleofTorelore，andhisfatherandmotherweredead。SothepeopletookhimtothecastleofBiaucaire，andthereweretheyallhismen。

Andheheldthelandinpeace。

Heresingethone:

Loye，AucassinhathgoneToBiaucairethatishisown，DwelleththereinjoyandeaseAndthekingdomisatpeace。

SwearshebytheMajestyOfourLordthatismosthigh，RatherwouldhetheyshoulddieAllhiskinandparentry，SothatNicoletewerenigh。

"Ahsweetlove，andfairofbrow，Iknownotwheretoseektheenow，Godmadeneverthatcountrie，Notbyland，andnotbysea，WhereIwouldnotsearchforthee，Ifthatmightbe！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

NowleaveweAucassin，andspeakweofNicolete。TheshipwhereinshewascastpertainedtotheKingofCarthage，andhewasherfather，andshehadtwelvebrothers，allprincesorkings。WhentheybeheldNicolete，howfairshewas，theydidhergreatworship，andmademuchjoyofher，andmanytimesaskedherwhoshewas，forsurelyseemedshealadyofnoblelineandhighparentry。Butshemightnottellthemofherlineage，forshewasbutachildwhenmenstoleheraway。SosailedtheytilltheywontheCityofCarthage，andwhenNicoletesawthewallsofthecastle，andthecountry—side，sheknewthattherehadshebeennourishedandthencestolenaway，beingbutachild。YetwasshenotsoyoungachildbutthatwellsheknewshehadbeendaughteroftheKingofCarthage；andofhernurtureinthatcity。

Heresingethone:

NicoletethegoodandtrueTothelandhathcomeanew，Seesthepalacesandwalls，Andthehousesandthehalls！

Thenshespakeandsaid，"Alas！

ThatofbirthsogreatIwas，CousinoftheAmiralAndtheverychildofhimCarthagecountsKingofPaynim，Wildfolkholdmeherewithal；

NayAucassin，loveoftheeGentleknight，andtrue，andfree，Burnsandwastestheheartofme。

AhGodgrantitofhisgrace，Thatthouholdme，andembrace，ThatthoukissmeonthefaceLoveandlord！"

Thenspeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhentheKingofCarthageheardNicoletespeakinthiswise，hecasthisarmsaboutherneck。

"Fairsweetlove，"saithhe，"tellmewhothouart，andbenotadreadofme。"

"Sir，"saidshe，"IamdaughtertotheKingofCarthage，andwastaken，beingthenalittlechild，itisnowfifteenyearsgone。"

Whenalltheyofthecourtheardherspeakthus，theyknewwellthatshespakesooth:somadetheygreatjoyofher，andledhertothecastleingreathonour，astheKing’sdaughter。AndtheywouldhavegivenhertoherlordaKingofPaynim，butshehadnomindtomarry。Theredweltshethreedaysorfour。AndsheconsideredbywhatmeansshemightseekforAucassin。Thenshegotheraviol，andlearnedtoplayonit，tilltheywouldhavemarriedheronadaytoagreatKingofPaynim，andshestoleforthbynight，andcametothesea—port，anddweltwithapoorwomanthereby。Thentooksheacertainherb，andtherewithsmearedherheadandherface，tillshewasallbrownandstained。Andsheletmakecoat，andmantle，andsmock，andhose，andattiredherselfasifshehadbeenaharper。

Sotookshetheviolandwenttoamariner，andsowroughtonhimthathetookheraboardhisvessel。Thenhoistedtheysail，andfaredonthehighseaseventilltheycametothelandofProvence。

AndNicoletewentforthandtooktheviol，andwentplayingthroughallthatcountry，eventillshecametothecastleofBiaucaire，whereAucassinlay。

Heresingethone:

AtBiaucairebelowthetowerSatAucassin，onanhour，Heardthebird，andwatchedtheflower，Withhisbaronshimbeside，Thencameonhiminthattide，ThesweetinfluenceofloveAndthememorythereof；

ThoughtofNicoletethefair，AndthedaintyfaceofherHehadlovedsomanyyears，Thenwasheinduleandtears！

EventhencameNicoleteOnthestairafootsheset，AndshedrewtheviolbowThroughthestringsandchantedso；

"Listen，lordsandknights，tome，Lordsofhighorlowdegree，TomystorylistwillyeAllofAucassinandherThatwasNicoletethefair？

AndtheirlovewaslongtotellDeepwoodsthroughhesoughtherwell，PaynimstookthemonadayInToreloreandboundtheylay。

OfAucassinnoughtknowwe，ButfairNicoletethefreeNowinCarthagedothshedwell，Thereherfatherlovesherwell，Whoiskingofthatcountrie。

Herahusbandhathhefound，PaynimlordthatservesMahound！

Ne’erwithhimthemaidwillgo，Forshelovesadamoiseau，Aucassin，thatyemayknow，SwearstoGodthatnevermoWithaloverwillshegoSavewithhimshelovethsoInlongdesire。"

Sospeakthey，saythey，telltheytheTale:

WhenAucassinheardNicoletespeakinthiswise，hewasrightjoyful，anddrewherononeside，andspoke，saying:

"Sweetfairfriend，knowyenothingofthisNicolete，ofwhomyehavethussung？"

"Yea，Sir，Iknowherforthenoblestcreature，andthemostgentle，andthebestthateverwasbornonground。SheisdaughtertotheKingofCarthagethattookhertherewhereAucassinwastaken，andbroughtherintothecityofCarthage，tillheknewthatverilyshewashisowndaughter，whereonhemaderightgreatmirth。AnonwishedhetogiveherforherlordoneofthegreatestkingsofallSpain，butshewouldratherletherselfbehangedorburned，thantakeanylord，howgreatsoever。"

"Ha！fairsweetfriend，"quoththeCountAucassin，"ifthouwiltgointothatlandagain，andbidhercomeandspeaktome，Iwillgivetheeofmysubstance，morethanthouwouldstdaretoaskortake。

Andknowye，thatforthesakeofher，Ihavenowilltotakeawife，howsoeverhighherlineage。SowaitIforher，andneverwillIhaveawife，butheronly。AndifIknewwheretofindher，noneedwouldIhavetoseekher。"

"Sir，"quothshe，"ifyepromisemethat，Iwillgoinquestofherforyoursake，andforhers，thatIlovemuch。"

Soheswaretoher，andanonletgivehertwentylivres，andshedepartedfromhim，andheweptforthesweetnessofNicolete。Andwhenshesawhimweeping，shesaid:

"Sir，troublenotthyselfsomuchwithal。ForinalittlewhileshallIhavebroughtherintothiscity，andyeshallseeher。"

WhenAucassinheardthat，hewasrightgladthereof。Andshedepartedfromhim，andwentintothecitytothehouseoftheCaptain’swife，fortheCaptainherfatherinGodwasdead。Soshedweltthere，andtoldallhertale；andtheCaptain’swifeknewher，andknewwellthatshewasNicoletethatsheherselfhadnourished。

Thensheletwashandbatheher，andthererestedsheeightfulldays。ThentooksheanherbthatwasnamedEyebrightandanointedherselftherewith，andwasasfairasevershehadbeenallthedaysofherlife。Thensheclothedherselfinrichrobesofsilkwhereoftheladyhadgreatstore，andthensatherselfinthechamberonasilkencoverlet，andcalledtheladyandbadehergoandbringAucassinherlove，andshedidevenso。AndwhenshecametothePalaceshefoundAucassinweeping，andmakinglamentforNicoletehislove，forthatshedelayedsolong。Andtheladyspakeuntohimandsaid:

"Aucassin，sorrownomore，butcomethouonwithme，andIwillshewtheethethingintheworldthatthoulovestbest；evenNicoletethydearlove，whofromfarlandshathcometoseekofthee。"AndAucassinwasrightglad。

Heresingethone:

WhenAucassinhearethnowThathisladybrightofbrowDwellethinhisowncountrie，Nevermanwasgladashe。

TohercastledothhehieWiththeladyspeedily，Passethtothechamberhigh，FindethNicoletethereby。

OfhertruelovefoundagainNevermaidwashalfsofain。

Straightsheleapeduponherfeet:

Whenhislovehesawatlast，Armsaboutherdidhecast，Kissedheroften，kissedhersweetKissedherlipsandbrowsandeyes。

Thusallnightdotheydevise，Eventillthemorningwhite。

ThenAucassinweddedher，MadeherLadyofBiaucaire。

Manyyearsabodetheythere，Manyyearsinshadeorsun，IngreatgladnessanddelightNe’erhathAucassinregretNorhisladyNicolete。

Nowmystoryallisdone，Saidandsung！

NOTES

"THEBLENDING"——ofalternateproseandverse——"isnotunknowninvariouscountries。"ThusinDr。Steere’sSwahiliTales（London，1870），p。vii。weread:"Itisaconstantcharacteristicofpopularnativetalestohaveasortofburden，whichalljoininsinging。

Frequentlytheskeletonofthestoryseemstobecontainedinthesesnatchesofsinging，whichthestory—tellerconnectsbyanextemporizedaccountoftheinterveninghistory……Almostallthesestorieshadsungparts，andofsomeofthese，eventhosewhosungthemcouldscarcelyexplainthemeaning……Ihaveheardstoriespartlytold，inwhichtheversepartswereintheYaoandNyamwezilanguages。"Theexamplesgiven（SultanMajnun）areonlyversessupposedtobechantedbythecharactersinthetale。ItisimprobablethattheYaosandNyamwezisborrowedthecustomofinsertingverseintoprosetalesfromArabliterature，wheretheintercalatedverseisusuallyofamoralandreflectivecharacter。

Mr。Jamieson，inIllustrationsofNorthernAntiquities（p。379），preservedacante—fablecalledRosmerHalfman，orTheMermanRosmer。

Mr。Motherwellremarks（Minstrelsy，Glasgow，1827，p。xv。）:"ThusI

haveheardtheancientballadofYoungBeichanandSusyPyedilatedbyastory—tellerintoataleofremarkabledimensions——aparagraphofproseandthenascreedofrhymealternatelygiven。"TheexamplepublishedbyMr。MotherwellgivesustheveryformofAucassinandNicolete，survivinginScotchfolklore:—

"WellyemustknowthatintheMoor’sCastle，therewasamafsymore，whichisadarkdeepdungeonforkeepingprisoners。Itwastwentyfeetbelowtheground，andintothisholetheyclosedpoorBeichan。

Therehestood，nightandday，uptohiswaistinpuddle—water；butnightordayitwasallonetohim，fornoaestymeoflightevergotin。Sohelaytherealangandwearywhile，andthinkingonhisheavyweird，hemadeamurnfu’sangtopassthetime——andthiswasthesangthathemade，andgratwhenhesangit，forheneverthoughtofescapingfromthemafsymore，orofseeinghisaincountrieagain:

"Myhoundstheyallrunmasterless，Myhawkstheyfleefromtreetotree；

Myyoungestbrotherwillheirmylands，AndfairEnglandagainI’llneversee。

"OwereIfreeasIhaebeen，Andmyshipswimmingoncemoreonsea，I’dturnmyfacetofairEngland，Andsailnomoretoastrangecountrie。"

NowthecruelMoorhadabeautifuldaughtercalledSusyPye，whowasaccustomedtotakeawalkeverymorninginhergarden，andasshewaswalkingaedaysheheardthesougho’Beichan’ssang，comingasitwerefrombelowtheground。"

Allthisisclearlyanalogousinformnolessthaninmattertoourcante—fable。Mr。Motherwellspeaksoffabliaux，intendedpartlyforrecitation，andpartlyforbeingsung；butdoesnotreferbynametoAucassinandNicolete。Ifwemayjudgebyanalogy，then，theformofthecante—fableisprobablyanearlyartisticadaptationofapopularnarrativemethod。

STOUR；anungainlywordenough，familiarinScotchwiththesenseofwind—drivendust，itmaybedustofbattle。TheFrenchisEstor。

BIAUCAIRE，oppositeTarascon，alsocelebratedforitslocalhero，thedeathlessTartarin。ThereisagreatdealoflearningaboutBiaucaire；probablytheauthorofthecante—fableneversawtheplace，butheneednothavethoughtitwasonthesea—shore，as（p。

39）heseemstodo。TherehemakesthepeopleofBeaucairesetouttowreckaship。ShipsdonotgouptheRhone，andgetwreckedthere，afterescapingtheperilsofthedeep。

Onp。42，thepoetclearlythinksthatNicolete，afterlandingfromherbarque，hadtotravelaconsiderabledistancebeforereachingBiaucaire。Thefactisthatthepoetisperfectlyrecklessofgeography，likehimwhowroteoftheset—shoreofBohemia。

PAINTEDWONDROUSLY。Nooneknowswhatisreallymeantbyemiramie。

PLENTIFULLACKOFCOMFORT:ratherfreelyforMoutiariespeuconquis。

MALENGIN:afavouritewordofSirThomasMalory:"mischievousintent。"

FEATSOFYOUTH:ENFANCES，theregulartermfortheromanceofaknight’searlyprowess。

TWOAPPLES；noisgaugesintheoriginal。Butwalnutssoundinadequate。

HeretheMS。hasalacuna。

ThereismuchuselesslearningabouttherealmofTorelore。ItissomewherebetweenKorandLaputa。ThecustomoftheCouvadewasdimlyknowntothepoet。Thefeignedlying—inofthefathermayhavebeeneitherarecognitionofpaternity（asintheshambirthwherebyHeraadoptedHeracles）ormayhavebeencausedbythebeliefthatthehealthofthefatheratthetimeofthechild’sbirthaffectedthatofthechild。EitheroriginoftheCouvadeisconsistentwithearlybeliefsandcustoms。

EYEBRIGHT。ThisisapurelyfancifulrenderingofEsclaire。

Footnotes:

{1}GastonParis，inM。Bida’sedition，p。xii。Paris，1878。Theblendingisnotunknowninvariouscountries。SeenoteatendofTranslation。

{2}IknownotifIunconsciouslytransferredthiscriticismfromM。GastonParis。

{3}"LoveinIdleness。"London，1883，p。169。

{4}Theocritus，x。37。

{5}Ihavenotthoughtitnecessarytodiscusstheconjectures，——

theyarenomore，——abouttheGreekorArabicoriginofthecante—

fable，aboutthederivationofAucassin’sname，thesupposedcopyingofFloireetBlancheflor，thelongitudeandlatitudeofthelandofTorelore，andsoforth。Intruth"weareinLove’slandto—day，"

wheretheshipssailwithoutwindorcompass，likethebarquesofthePhaeacians。BrunnerandSuchieraddnothingpositivetoourknowledge，andM。GastonParispretendstocastbutlittlelightonquestionswhichitistoocurioustoconsideratall。InrevisingthetranslationIhaveusedwithprofittheversionsofM。Bida，ofMr。Bourdillon，theglossaryofSuchier，andMr。Bourdillon’sglossary。AsforthestyleIhaveattempted，ifnotOldEnglish，atleastEnglishwhichiselderly，withamemoryofMalory。