e it thou losest thine inheritance! Come now, my son,
take thine arms and to horse! Fight for thy land, and succour thy
liegemen, and get thee to the field! Though thou strike never a man nor
be thyself stricken, if they but see thee among them they will make a
better fight for their lives and their havings, and for thy land and
mine. So tall art thou and so strong, 'tis no great thing to do; and it
is thy devoir."

"Father," said Aucassin, "to what purpose is this oration? Never God
give me ought that I ask of him, if I take knighthood or mount horse or
go to the fighting to smite knight or be myself smitten, if you give me
not Nicolette, my sweet friend, whom I love so well!"

"Son," said his father, "that cannot be. Rather would I suffer loss of
all my inheritance, aye, of all I have, than that thou shouldst have her
to woman or to wife!"

And he turned to go. And when Aucassin saw him departing, he called him
back.

"Father," said Aucassin, "come hither, and I will make a fair covenant
with you!"

"Aye, and what covenant, fair son?"

"I will take arms and go to the fighting on such condition, that, if God
bring me again safe and sound, you 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 do