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；