going he called to him again, saying,

   “Father, go to now, I will make with thee fair covenant.”

   “What covenant, fair son?”

   “I will take up arms, and go into the stour, on this covenant, that, if God bring me back sound and safe, thou wilt let me see Nicolete my sweet lady, even so long that I may have of her two words or three, and one kiss.”

   “That will I grant,” said his father.

   At this was Aucassin glad.

   Here one singeth:

     Of the kiss heard Aucassin

     That returning he shall win.

     None so glad would he have been

     Of a myriad marks of gold

     Of a hundred thousand told.

     Called for raiment brave of steel,

     Then they clad him, head to heel,

     Twyfold hauberk doth he don,

     Firmly braced the helmet on.

     Girt the sword with hilt of gold,

     Horse doth mount, and lance doth wield,

     Looks to stirrups and to shield,

     Wondrous brave he rode to field.

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