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；