dden tempest drives the vessel in which
Aucassin lies to the shore of Biaucaire. There the people capture it,
and finding their young master, set him free, and invite him to take
possession of his castle, for, his father having died during his
absence, he is now master of all he surveys.

Meantime Nicolette, landing at Carthage, discovers that this is her
native town, and recognizes in her captors--her father and brothers.
They are so overjoyed at recovering this long-lost sister that they
propose to keep her with them, but Nicolette assures them she will
never be happy until she rejoins Aucassin. Meantime she learns to play
on the viol, and, when she has attained proficiency on this
instrument, sets out in the guise of a wandering minstrel to seek her
beloved. Conveyed by her brothers to the land of Biaucaire, Nicolette,
soon after landing, hears that Aucassin, who has recently returned,
is sorely bewailing the loss of his beloved. Presenting herself before
Aucassin,--who does not recognize her owing to the disguise,--Nicolette
plays so charmingly that she draws tears from his eyes. Then she begs
to know his sorrows, and, on hearing he has lost his lady-love,
suggests he woo the king of Carthage's daughter. Loudly averring he
will never woo any one save Nicolette, Aucassin turns sadly away,
whereupon the strolling minstrel assures him he shall see his beloved
before long. Although it seems impossible to Aucassin that this
prediction should be verified, Nicolette has little difficulty in
fulfilling her promise, for, hastening back to her old home, she
obtains some of her own clothes, and, thus restored to her wonted
appearance, presents herself before the delighted Aucassin, who,
overjoyed to see her once more, clasps her rapturously to his heart.

The ballad adds that the two lovers, united for good and all, lived
happy ever after, and were an example to all faithful lovers in the
beautiful land of Biaucaire.

Many years abode they there,
Many years in shade or sun,
In great gladness and delight.
Ne'er had Aucassin regret,
Nor his lady Nicolette.
Now my story all is done--
Said and sung!

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 12: All the quotations in this chapter are from Andrew
Lang's version of "Aucassin and Nicolette."]

SPANISH EPICS

Literature was born in Spain only when the Christians began to
reconquer their country from the Moors. The first literary efforts
therefore naturally reflected