of Carthage, who took her when Aucassin was taken, and carried her to the city of Carthage, when he knew surely that she was his daughter, and made very great rejoicing over her. And every day they wish to give her for lord one of the highest kings in all Spain. But she would rather let herself be hanged or drowned than she would take any of them, were he ever so rich."
"Ah, fair sweet comrade," said the Count Aucassin, "if you would go back to that land, and would tell her to come and speak to me, I would give you of my wealth as much as you should dare to ask or take. Know, moreover, that for the love of her I will take no wife, were she of ever so high degree, but I wait for her; nor will I ever have any wife save her. And had I known where to find her I should not now have to seek her."
"Sir," said she, "if you would do this, I would go to seek her, for your sake, and for hers, whom I love much."
He sware to her; and then he bade give her twenty pounds. And as she took leave of him, he fell weeping for the sweetness of Nicolette. And when she saw him weeping,
"Sir," said she, "be not afraid! Since
