the king's room, gives him a good beating, and wrings from him a
promise that no man in his country will ever lie abed again when a
child is born, or send his wife out to do hard work. Having effected
this reform in the land of Torelore, Aucassin and Nicolette dwell
there peacefully, for three years, at the end of which time the castle
is taken by some Saracens. They immediately proceed to sack it,
carrying off its inmates to sell them as slaves. Bound fast, Aucassin
and Nicolette are thrust into separate ships, but, although these are
going to the same port, a sudden tempest drives the vessel in which
Aucassin lies to the shore of Biaucaire. There the people capture it,
and finding their young master, set him free, and invite him to take
possession of his castle, for, his father having died during his
absence, he is now master of all he surveys.

Meantime Nicolette, landing at Carthage, discovers that this is her
native town, and recognizes in her captors--her father and brothers.
They are so overjoyed at recovering this long-lost sister that they
propose to keep her with them, but Nicolette assures them she will
never be happy until she rejoins Aucassin. Meantime she learns to play
on the viol, and, when she has attained proficiency on this
instrument, sets out in the guise of a wandering minstrel to seek her
beloved. Conveyed by her brothers to the land of Biaucaire, Nicolette,
soon after landing, hears that Aucassin, who has recently returned,
is sorely bewailing the loss of his beloved. Presenting herself before
Aucassin,--who does not recognize her owing to the disguise,--Nicolette
plays so charmingly that she draws tears from his eyes. Then she begs
to know his sorrows, and, on hearing he has lost his lady-love,
suggests he woo the king of Carthage's daughter. Loudly averring he
will never woo any one save Nicolette, Aucassin turns sadly away,
whereupon the strolling minstrel assures him he shall see his beloved