Aucassin and Nicolette | Page 5

will give me leave to see Nicolette my sweet friend for such time as I may speak two words to her or three, and once only kiss her."
"I consent," said his father.
So he made agreement with him, and Aucassin was well-pleased.
_Here they sing_.
Aucassin heard of the kiss?On returning to be his.?Hundred thousand marks pure gold?Him had made less blithe and bold.?Arms he called for, rich and rare;?They made ready for his wear.?Hauberk donned he, double-lined;?Helmet on his head did bind;?Girt his sword with hilt pure gold;?Mounted on his charger bold;?Spear and buckler then he took;?At his two feet cast a look,?In the stirrups trod they trim;?Wondrous proud he carried him.?His sweet friend--he thought on her,?To his charger clapped the spur;?Forth he springs full mettlesome;?Straightway to the gate they come
That led to battle.
_Here they speak and tell the story_.
Aucassin was arrayed and mounted on his horse, as you have harkened and heard. Lord! how well it became him--the shield on his neck and the helm on his head and the sword-belt on his left hip! And the boy was tall and strong and comely and slim and well-grown; and the horse he bestrode was fleet of foot and high of mettle, and the boy had put him through the gate cleverly. Now don't you suppose that his thoughts would have been set on taking spoil of oxen or cows or goats? that he would have struck at some knight or been stricken in turn? Not a whit! it never once occurred to him. But his thought was so set upon Nicolette, his sweet friend, that he forgot the reins and all he had to do. And his horse, feeling the spur, dashed with him through the press, and charged right into the thick of the enemy, who laid hands on him on all sides, and made him prisoner. They took from him shield and lance, and led him captive then and there. They were already questioning one with another as to what manner of death they should put him to; and when Aucassin heard it,
"Ah, gracious Heaven!" he said, "and are these my mortal foes who hale me here and are presently about to cut off my head? And once I have my head cut off, nevermore shall I speak to Nicolette my sweet friend whom I love so well. Nay, I have yet a good sword, and under me a good steed untired. An I defend me not now for her sake, ne'er help her God if ever again she love me!"
The boy was tall and strong, and the horse beneath him was eager. He put his hand to his sword and began to strike to right and to left, slashing helmet and nose-guard, fist and wrist, and making havoc all around him as the boar does when the dogs set on him in the forest; so that he overthrew ten of their knights and wounded seven; and charged then and there out of the press, and rode back full gallop, sword in hand.
Bulgarius, Count of Valence, heard say that they were about to hang Aucassin his enemy, and came that way. Aucassin failed not to espy him; and gripping his sword, he smote him through the helmet so that he clave it to the skull. He was so stunned that he fell to earth; and Aucassin put out his hand and took him prisoner, and led him off by the nose-guard of his helmet, and delivered him to his father.
"Father," said Aucassin, "see here is your enemy who has made war on you so long and done you hurt so great. Twenty years has this war lasted, and never a man to put an end to it."
"Fair son," said his father, "well were it you should do deeds like this, and not gape at folly!"
"Father," said Aucassin, "read me no lectures, but keep me my covenant!"
"Bah! what covenant, fair son?"
"Alack, father, have you forgotten it? By the head of me, forget it who may, I do not mean to forget it. Rather have I laid it much to heart. Did you not make this covenant with me, that if I took arms and went out to the fighting, and if God brought me back safe and sound, you would let me see Nicolette my sweet friend for such time as I might speak two words to her or three, and once only kiss her? This covenant you made with me, and this covenant I will have you keep with me!"
"What, I?" said his father. "Ne'er help me Heaven if I keep this covenant with you! and were she here now I would burn her in a fire; and for yourself too you might fear the worst."
"Is this the whole conclusion?" said Aucassin.
"Aye," said his father, "so help me Heaven!"
"I'