but on account of his servants whom he had seen perish before his eyes.
The shepherd, who understood his need even better from his appearance
than from his speech, took him by the hand and led him to his humble
dwelling, where he kindled some faggots, and so dried him in the best
way that he could. The same evening God led thither this good monk, who
showed him the road to Our Lady of Serrance assuring him that he would
be better lodged there than anywhere else, and would there find an aged
widow named Oisille who had been as unfortunate as himself.

When all the company heard tell of the good Lady Oisille and the gentle
knight Simontault, they were exceedingly glad, and praised the Creator,
who, content with the sacrifice of serving-folk, had preserved their
masters and mistresses. And more than all the rest did Parlamente give
hearty praise to God, for Simontault had long been her devoted lover.

Then they made diligent inquiry concerning the road to Serrance, and
although the good old man declared it to be very difficult, they were
not to be debarred from attempting to proceed thither that very day.
They set forth well furnished with all that was needful, for the Abbot
provided them with wine and abundant victuals,(8) and with willing
companions to lead them safely over the mountains.

8 According to MS. No. 1520 (Bib. Nat., Paris), the Abbot
also furnished them with the best horses of Lavedan and good
"cappes" of Beam. The Lavedan horses were renowned for their
speed and spirit, and the Bearnese cappe was a cloak
provided with a hood.--B. J.

These they crossed more often on foot than on horseback, and after much
toil and sweat came to Our Lady of Serrance. Here the Abbot, although
somewhat evilly disposed, durst not deny them lodging for fear of the
Lord of Beam,(9) who, as he was aware, held them in high esteem. Being
a true hypocrite, he showed them as fair a countenance as he could, and
took them to see the Lady Oisille and the gentle knight Simontault.

9 The Kings of Navarre had been Lords of Beam for two
centuries, but Beam still retained its old customs and had
its special government. The Lord of Beam here referred to
was Henry d'Albret, Margaret's second husband.--B. J.

The joyfulness of all this company who had been thus miraculously
brought together was so great that the night seemed short to them while
praising God in the Church for the goodness that He