Great were the lamentation and the cry when the news of this mischance was noised about the city.  Such a tumult of mourning was never before heard, for the whole city was moved.  All men hastened forth to the place where the lists were set.  Meetly to mourn the dead there rode nigh upon two thousand knights, with hauberks unlaced, and uncovered heads, plucking upon their beards.  So the four lovers were placed each upon his shield, and being brought back in honour to Nantes, were carried to the house of that dame, whom so greatly they had loved.  When the lady knew this distressful adventure, straightway she fell to the ground.  Being returned from her swoon, she made her complaint, calling upon her lovers each by his name.

“Alas,” said she, “what shall I do, for never shall I know happiness again.  These four knights had set their hearts upon me, and despite their great treasure, esteemed my love as richer than all their wealth.  Alas, for the fair and valiant knight!  Alas, for the loyal and generous man!  By gifts such as these they sought to gain my favour, but how might lady bereave three of life, so as to cherish one.  Even now I cannot tell for whom I have most pity, or who was closest to my mind.  But three are dead, and one is sore stricken; neither is there anything in the world which can bring me comfort.  Only this is there to do—­to give the slain men seemly burial, and, if it may be, to heal their comrade of his wounds.”

So, because of her great love and nobleness, the lady caused these three distressful knights to be buried well and worshipfully in a rich abbey.  In that place she offered their Mass penny, and gave rich offerings of silver and of lights besides.  May God have mercy on them in that day.  As for the wounded knight she commanded him to be carried to her own chamber.  She sent for surgeons, and gave him into their hands.  These searched his wounds so skilfully, and tended him with so great care, that presently his hurt commenced to heal.  Very often was the lady in the chamber, and very tenderly she cherished the stricken man.  Yet ever she felt pity for the three Knights of the Sorrows, and ever she went heavily by reason of their deaths.

Now on a summer’s day, the lady and the knight sat together after meat.  She called to mind the sorrow that was hers; so that, in a space, her head fell upon her breast, and she gave herself altogether to her grief.  The knight looked earnestly upon his dame.  Well he might see that she was far away, and clearly he perceived the cause.

“Lady,” said he, “you are in sorrow.  Open now your grief to me.  If you tell me what is in your heart perchance I may find you comfort.”

“Fair friend,” replied she, “I think of what is gone, and remember your companions, who are dead.  Never was lady of my peerage, however fair and good and gracious, ever loved by four such valiant gentlemen, nor ever lost them in one single day.  Save you—­who were so maimed and in such peril—­all are gone.  Therefore I call to mind those who loved me so dearly, and am the saddest lady beneath the sun.  To remember these things, of you four I shall make a Lay, and will call it the Lay of the Four Sorrows.”