“Sir,” said Aucassin, “gramercy! So will I do.”
He stole from the hall, and descended the stairs, and came to the stable where his horse was. He bade saddle and bridle him; and setting foot in stirrup, he mounted and rode forth out of the castle, and went on till he came to the forest. He rode till he reached the spring, and came upon the herdboys at the point of None. They had spread a cloak on the grass, and were eating their bread and making very great merriment.
Came the herds from every part in;
There was Esmé, there was Martin;
There was Fruelin and Johnny;
Aubrey boon, and Robin bonny.
Then to speech did one address him:
“Mates, young Aucassin, God bless him!
’Struth, it is a fine young fellow!
And the girl with hair so yellow,
With the body slim and slender,
Eyes so blue and bloom so tender!
She that gave us such a penny
As shall buy us sweetmeats many,
Hunting-knife and sheath of leather,
Flute and fife to play together,
Scrannel pipe and cudgel beechen.
I pray God leech him!” [48]
Here they speak and tell the story.
When Aucassin heard the shepherd boys, he minded him of Nicolette his most sweet friend whom he loved so well; and he bethought him that she had been there. And he pricked his horse with the spurs, and came to the shepherd boys.
“Fair children, may God help you!”
“May God bless you!” said he who was more ready of speech than the others.
“Fair children,” said he, “say again the song that you were saying just now!”
“We will not say it,” said he who was more ready of speech than the others. “Sorrow be his who sings it for you, fair sir!”