Meantime the Count of Biaucaire, hearing Nicolette has vanished, sets
his son free, and, seeing him sunk in melancholy, urges him to go out
and hunt, thinking the exercise may make him forget the loss of his
beloved. Still, it is only when shepherds come and report that a wild
beast is ranging through the forest, that the youth mounts his steed
and sallies forth, his father little suspecting that instead of
tracking game, he is bent on seeking traces of his beloved.

Ere long Aucassin encounters an old charcoal-burner, to whom he
confides his loss, and who assures him such a sorrow is nothing
compared to his own. On discovering that the poor man's tears can be
stayed with money, Aucassin bestows upon him the small sum he needs,
receiving in return the information that a lovely maiden has been seen
in the forest. Continuing his quest, Aucassin comes in due time to the
flowery bower, and, finding it empty, sings his love and sorrow in
tones that reach Nicolette's ear. Then, dismounting from his horse to
rest here for the night, Aucassin manages to sprain his shoulder.
Thereupon Nicolette steals into the bower and takes immediate measures
to mitigate the pain.

The mere fact that Nicolette is beside him helps Aucassin to forget
everything else, and it is only after the first raptures are over,
that they decide not to linger in the forest, where the Count of
Biaucaire will soon find and separate them. To prevent such a
calamity, they decide to depart together, and, as there is no extra
steed for Nicolette to ride, her lover lifts her up on his horse
before him, clasping her tight and kissing her repeatedly as they
gallop along.