existing in
Biscay have been founded only on the ancient assertion of Strabo, it is
still remarkable that it is in this part of Europe alone that the custom
has ever been found.

If the composer of Aucassin derived his story from such a source, it is
easy to see also whence he got the idea of the special form he has given
it; for a narrative in prose mingled with interludes of verse, though
strange to European literature, is common in Arabian.

And yet, whatever his sources or his models, one feels that his debt to
them is trifling compared to the worth of his own work. All that he
describes he has seen with his own eyes; and all that he tells, be it
borrowed or invented, is quickened and heightened and made immortal by
his own touch upon it.

All who can should read this story in its own language--the simple easy-
flowing Old-French, with its infantile syntax, and naive but effective
efforts at distinction and what we now call style. There are various
editions of the old French text; but the two easiest to get and also to
read are that of Professor Suchier, and my own. Those in search of
learning will always turn to Germany, and Suchier is a very learned man.
But I can honestly advise all English readers to get my edition
(Macmillan, 1897) in which the text is given as pure as I could draw it
from the fountain head, the original MS. at Paris; where the music to the
verse sections will be found printed in its proper notation; and which
contains also a literal translation, full notes, and a glossary.

The present translation varies a good deal from that I printed with the
Old-French text. I have to some extent relaxed the restrictions I
imposed on myself there, and have given freer turns, even verging
occasionally on paraphrase, to bring out the full meaning, which it is
often possible to miss in the original, especially in the very condensed
style of the verses. These changes will, I hope, make this version easy
and pleasant to read even by those who have no leisure or no inclination
to attempt the study of the Old-French itself.

AUCASSIN & NICOLETTE

'TIS OF AUCASSIN AND OF NICOLETTE

Who would list a pleasant lay,
Pastime of the old and grey?
Of two lovers, children yet,
Aucassin and Nicolette;
Of the sorrows he went through,
Of the great things he did do,
All for his bright favoured may.
Sweet the song is, fair the say,
Full of art and full of grace.
There is none in such ill case,
Sad w