Page:A book of the Pyrenees.djvu/240

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200
THE PYRENEES

originally compelled to wear a bit of red cloth on the cap as a cock's comb, or crest, and that later this more conspicuous mark of infamy was modified into one placed upon the shoulder. Still, however, the expression "the crested" was applied to them.

It is in vain to look for a genuine Cagot at the present time, and in the words of an old ballad sung by the people—

"Encouere qué Cagots siam
Nous noun dam;
Tous qu'em hilhs deü pay, Adam."

That may be rendered—

"Then let them say just what they will, and call us Cagots vile,
We all the sons of Adam are, on all God deigns to smile."