nfortunate Bisclaveret, when the persecuted animal rushed from the
thicket, and running straight up to him, seized his stirrup with his
fore-paw, began to lick his feet, and with the most piteous whinings to
implore his protection. The king was, at first dreadfully frightened,
but his fear gave way to pity and admiration. He called his attendants
to witness the miracle; ordered the dogs to be whipped off, solemnly
took the brute under his royal protection; and returned to his palace,
closely followed by his savage attendant. Bisclaveret became an
universal favourite; he was fed with the greatest care, slept in the
royal apartments, and though indefatigable in attentions to his master,
returned the caresses of the courtiers, who admired and esteemed,
without envying his superior intelligence and accomplishments. At
length, the king having summoned a plenar at court, his barons flocked
from all quarters, and, among the rest the husband of the false lady. No
one had thought of paying the least attention to Bisclaveret, whose
gentleness was even more remarkable than his sagacity; but no sooner did
the knight make his appearance than the animal attacked him with the
greatest fury, and was scarcely prevented, even by the interposition of
the king himself, from tearing him to pieces. The same scene occurred a
second time, and occasioned infinite surprise. Not long after this, the
king went to hunt in the same forest, and the wicked wife, as lady of
the manor, having sent before her a magnificent present, set forth to
pay her court to her sovereign. Bisclaveret saw her approach, flew upon
her, and instantly tore her nose from her face. This act of discourtesy
to a lady excited universal indignation: even the king took part against
his favourite, who would have been punished with instant death, but for
the interference of an aged counsellor. "This lady, Sir," said he to the
king, "is wife of that knight whom you so tenderly loved, and whose
unaccountable disappearance you have so long regretted." The baron whom
Bisclaveret first assaulted is her present husband. He becomes ferocious
only on the appearance of these two; there is some mystery in this,
which the lady, if imprisoned and interrogated would probably discover.
Britany is the country of wonders--

Mainte marveille avuns veu
Qui en Bretaigne est avenu.

In compliance with this advice the lady was put in close confinement,
the whole secret extorted, and the cloth