Nous passons Chaalons et Reims,
Nous ostons la goûte des reins,
Nous estaignons totes les rois.’
‘Espernai, trop es desloiaus;
Tu n’as droit de parler en cour.’
[24] ] The ‘vin d’Ausois,’ or ‘vin d’Aussai’ (for it is spelt both ways in the poem), is not, as might be supposed, the wine of Auxois, an ancient district of Burgundy now comprised in the arrondissements of Sémur (Côte d’Or) and Avallon (Yonne), and still enjoying a reputation for its viticultural products. MM. J. B. B. de Roquefort and Gigault de la Bedollière, in their notes on Henri d’Andelys’ poem, have clearly identified it with the wine of Alsace, that province having been known under the names in question during the Middle Ages. This explains its connection in the present instance with the Moselle.
[25] ] An incidental proof that the English taste for strong wine was an early one. As late as the close of the sixteenth century the Bordeaux wines are described in the Maison Rustique as ‘thick, black, and strong.’
[26] ] Probably either Aquila in the Abruzzi, or Aquiliea near Friuli.
[27] ] The ‘rouage’ was a duty of 2 sous on each cart and 4 sous on each wagon laden with wine purchased by foreign merchants and taken out of the town. It was only one of many dues.