Page:Aucassin and Nicolette (Bourdillon).pdf/55

Rh you will be cured of your hurt. Aye, and within three days must you have caught it, never more will you see it. Now hunt it an you will, or an you will leave it; for I have well acquitted myself towards her."

"Fair children," said Ausassin, "enough have you said; and God grant me to find it!"

Here they sing.

has word for word Of his lithe-limbed lady heard; Deep they pierced him to the quick; From the herds he parted quick, Struck into he greenwood thick. Quickly stepped his gallant steed, Bore him fairly off full speed. Then he spake, three words he said; "Nicolette, O lithe-limbed maid! For your sake I thrid the glade! Stag nor boar I know pursue, But the sleuth I track for you! Your bright eyes and body lithe, Your sweet words and laughter blithe,