"Alas, my master, the maid is very cunning;

She is safe at home, and sends you mockery."

The gallant ceased his tune, and swore in bitter anger,

"If again that maid I meet by any hap,

Either in the highroad, or on the flowery meadow,

I will have no mercy on her fine, white cap."

Then the love songs of Poitou have a light and humorous turn, a jest at the fickleness of the runaway lover, and the easy consolation of the young maiden, whose desire is more to have a lover than that he should be any particular person. La Belle Rosalie illustrates this gay mockery of youthful love.


THE FAIR ROSALIE.