guard of his helmet, and delivered him to his father.
"Father," said Aucassin, "see here is your enemy who has made war on you so long and done you hurt so great. Twenty years has this war lasted, and never a man to put an end to it."
"Fair son," said his father, "well were it you should do deeds like this, and not gape at folly!"
"Father," said Aucassin, "read me no lectures but keep me my covenant!"
"Bah! what covenant, fair son?"
"Alack, father, have you forgotten it? By the head of me, forget it who may, I do not mean to forget it. Rather have I laid it much to heart. Did you not make this covenant with me, that if I took arms and went out to the fighting, and if God brought me back safe and sound, you would let me see Nicolette my sweet friend for such time as I might speak two words to her or three, and once only kiss her? This covenant you made with me, and this covenant I will have you keep with me!"
"What, I? " said his father. "Ne'er help me Heaven if I keep this covenant with you! and were she here now I would burn her in a
