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。