,
Aucassin had no taste for it; since he saw nothing there of that he
loved. A knight looked upon him, and came to him, and accosted him:

"Aucassin," said he, "of such sickness as yours, I too have been sick. I
will give you good counsel, if you will trust me."

"Sir," said Aucassin, "gramercy! Good counsel should I hold dear."

"Mount on a horse," said he, "and go by yon forest side to divert you;
there you will see the flowers and green things, and hear the birds sing.
Peradventure you shall hear a word for which you shall be the better."

"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.

_Here they sing_.

Came the herds from every part in;
There was Esme, 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!"

"Fair children," said Aucassin, "do you not know me?"

"Aye, we know well that you are Aucassin, our young lord; but we are not
your men, but the Count's."

"Fair children, you will do so, I pray you!"

"Hear, by gog's heart!" said he. "And why should I sing