doctrine into a highly complicated but perfectly definite
statement of the ideal relations of the sexes. Nowhere in the
vulgar tongues can a better statement of these relations be found
than in "Cliges."

So we leave Chretien to speak across the ages for himself and his
generation. He is to be read as a story-teller rather than as a
poet, as a casuist rather than as a philosopher. But when all
deductions are made, his significance as a literary artist and as
the founder of a precious literary tradition distinguishes him
from all other poets of the Latin races between the close of the
Empire and the arrival of Dante.

-- W. W. COMFORT.



EREC ET ENIDE (1)

(Vv. 1-26.) The rustic's proverb says that many a thing is
despised that is worth much more than is supposed. Therefore he
does well who makes the most of whatever intelligence he may
possess. For he who neglects this concern may likely omit to say
something which would subsequently give great pleasure. So
Chretien de Troyes maintains that one ought always to study and
strive to speak well and teach the right; and he derives from a
story of adventure a pleasing argument whereby it may be proved
and known that he is not wise who does not make liberal use of
his knowledge so long as God may give him grace. The story is
about Erec the son of Lac--a story which those who earn a