"Count of Valence," said Aucassin, "thou art my prisoner?"
"Sire," answered the Count, "it is verily and truly so."
"Give me thy hand," said Aucassin.
"Sire, as you wish."
So each took the other's hand.
"Plight me thy faith," said Aucassin, "that so long as thou drawest breath, never shall pass a day but thou shalt deal with my father in shameful fashion, either in goods or person, if so thou canst!"
"Sire, for God's love make me not a jest, but name me a price for my ransom. Whether you ask gold or silver, steed or palfrey, pelt or fur, hawk or hound, it shall be paid."
"What!" said Aucassin; "art thou not my prisoner?"
"Truly, sire," said the Count Bougars.
"God aid me never," quoth Aucassin, "but I send thy head flying, save thou plight me such faith as I said."