Of the adventure of these three lovers, the courteous Bretons made this Lay for remembrance, since they deemed it a matter that men should not forget.

V

THE LAY OF THE NIGHTINGALE

Now will I tell you a story, whereof the Breton harper already has made a Lay.  Laustic, I deem, men name it in that country, which, being interpreted, means rossignol in French, and nightingale in good plain English.

In the realm of Brittany stands a certain rich and mighty city, called Saint Malo.  There were citizens of this township two knights, so well spoken and reputed of all, that the city drew therefrom great profit and fame.  The houses of these lords were very near the one to the other.  One of the two knights had to wife a passing fair lady, right gracious of manner and sweet of tongue.  Wondrous pleasure found this dame to array herself richly, after the wont and fashion of her time.  The other knight was yet a bachelor.  He was well accounted of amongst his fellows as a hardy knight and as an honourable man.  He gave hospitality gladly.  Largely he gained, largely he spent, and willingly bestowed gifts of all that he had.

This bachelor set his love upon his neighbour’s wife.  By reason of his urgent prayers, his long suit and service, and by reason that all men spake naught of him but praise—­perchance, also, for reason that he was never far from her eye—­presently this lady came to set her heart on him again.  Though these two friends loved right tenderly, yet were they so private and careful in their loves that none perceived what was in their hearts.  No man pried on them, or disturbed their goings and comings.  These were the more easy to devise since the bachelor and the lady were such near neighbours.  Their two houses stood side by side, hall and cellar and combles.  Only between the gardens was built a high and ancient wall, of worn gray stone.  When the lady sat within her bower, by leaning from the casement she and her friend might speak together, he to her, and she to him.  They could also throw messages in writing, and divers pretty gifts, the one to the other.  Little enough had they to displease them, and greatly were they at their ease, save only that they might not take their pleasure together, so often as their hearts had wished.  For the dame was guarded very straitly when her husband was abroad.  Yet not so strictly but that they might have word and speech, the now by night and now by day.  At least, however close the watch and ward, none might hinder that at times these fair lovers stood within their casements, and looked fondly on the other’s face.