FOOTNOTES: 

[77] The subject of this romance appears to have been taken from the ecclesiastical history of Normandy.  There is still remaining, near Rouen, the priory of the Lovers, which tradition reports to have been founded by the father on the very same spot where they perished, and on the tomb which contained them.  M. de la Mere’s Dissertation.

No. 8.—­LAUSTIC.

The author tells us, this lay is called, in the Breton tongue, Laustic,[78] and in “right English,” the Nihtegale (Nightingale).  It is very well written, and contains many picturesque descriptions; in the district of St. Malos is the town of Bon, which derives its name from the goodness of two knights who formerly dwelt in it.  One was married; the other was in love with his neighbour’s wife, who returned his affection.  The houses were so near, being only separated by a wall, that they could easily, from the windows of their respective bed chambers, interchange glances, talk without being overheard, and toss to each other little presents and symbols of attachment.  For the purpose of enjoying this amusement, the lady, during the warm nights of spring and summer, used to rise, and throwing a mantle over her, repair to the window, and stay there till near the dawn of day.  Her husband, much annoyed by this practice, roughly asked what was the object which so constantly allured her from her bed, and was told that it was the sweet voice of the Nightingale.  Having heard this he set all his servants to work, spread on every twig of his hazels and chesnut trees a quantity of bird-lime, and set throughout the orchard so many traps and springs, that the nightingale was shortly caught.  Immediately running to his wife, and twisting the bird’s neck, he tossed it into her bosom so hastily that she was sprinkled with the blood; adding that her enemy was now dead, and she might in future sleep in quiet.  The lady, who, it seems, was not fertile in expedients, submitted to the loss of her nightly conversations, and was contented with exculpating herself towards her lover by sending him the dead bird inclosed in a bag of white satin, on which she embroidered the history of its fate; and her gallant paramour caused his mistress’s present to be inclosed in a golden box, richly studded with gems, which he constantly carried about his person.[79]

FOOTNOTES: 

[78] Laustic is still a Nightingale in the Breton language, and l’eaustic is the French manner of speaking.

No.  IX.—­MILUN.[80]