d the three to be magnificently
interred, and summoned the best physicians of the town to assist her
attendance on the survivor. Their joint efforts were at length
successful. He became convalescent; and, finding his passion revive with
his returning health, daily importuned the lady for her hand, to which
there now remained no other equal claimant. But she gave him to
understand, that feeling herself singular in misfortune, by having lost
in one day three admirers of superior merit, she would not consent to
bear to the bridal ceremony a heart consumed by eternal regret; and
that, as a monument of her grief, she intended to compose a lay, the
title of which should be "Les quatre Dols," (the four griefs). The
lover, instead of attempting to argue her out of this resolution, only
employs his eloquence in convincing her that the title of the new lay
ought to be "Le Chaitivel," (the wretch), because his rivals had found
in death the end of their disappointments, while he was doomed to a life
of sorrow and privation. The lady having assented to this change, the
story is abruptly brought to a conclusion.

* * * * *

No. XI.--_Translation of the Lai DEE CHEVREFOIL_:

_(From Notes to Sir Tristrem, edited by Walter Scott, Esq.)_

I am much pleased with the lay which is called Chevrefoil. Let me relate
to you truly on what occasion it was made, and by whom. Many persons
have narrated the story to me; and I have also found it in writing, in
the work which treats of Tristrem, and of the Queen; and of their
constant love, from which they suffered a thousand sorrows; and expired
on the same day.[81]

King Markes had been much offended with his nephew, Tristrem; and had
banished him on account of his attachment to the queen. The knight
retired into the country where he was born; spent there a whole year of
affliction; and, being still forbidden to return, became careless of
life. Do not wonder at this; for a true lover, where his wishes are
crossed by insuperable obstacles, can set no bounds to his grief.
Tristrem, therefore, thus driven to despair, left his home; passed into
Cornwall, the abode of the queen, and concealed himself in the thickest
part of the forest; from which he issued only at the close of the day,
at which time he took up his lodgings among the peasants and the poorest
of mankind. After frequent questions to these his hosts, concerning the
public news of the court, he at length le