DESCRIPTION AND ABSTRACT OF TWO ANCIENT FRAGMENTS

OF

FRENCH METRICAL ROMANCES, ON THE SUBJECT OF SIR TRISTREM.

Agreeable to the promise of the Introduction, I subjoin to the Romance of THOMAS of Erceldoune, the abstract of those Curious Fragments, existing in MR. DOUCE'S MS. For the opportunity of comparing the style of composition which prevailed in France and in Scotland, and of illustrating, by each other, poem written about the same period, and on the same subject, the reader is indebted to GEORGE ELLIS, Esq. by whom the follow ing elegant precis of the French romance was transmitted to the Editor]

THE Curious MS. appears to have formed part of some volume belonging to a monastery; because it contains, besides the two detached pieces of the story of Tristrem l'Amoureux, a long metrical dialogue between Pride and Humility, and a prose dissertation on the Cross. It is written on vellum, and consists of 22 leaves. The hand writing apparently belongs to the 13th

century

"Chastel faris fut dit a dreit,

Car, dous fais li an, se perdeit."

Travellers declare that, twice in every year, it became invisible; once at Christmas, and once in the summer; so that even the natives of the country would be unable to find it, had they not previously ascertained its situation by permanent landmarks.

Here Tristrem arrived; and, inquiring news of King Mark, was informed, that he was then in his palace, and had but lately held one of his solemn festivals." And where is Queen Ysolt, and her beautiful maiden Brengwain ?"-" Faith, sir, they two are here: I saw them lately; but, in truth, Queen Ysolt is, as usual, pensive and melancholy. At the mention of his mistress, a sigh escapes from Tristrem. He recommends himself to Providence, convinced that, without inspiration, he cannot devise the means of seeing Ysolt. The vigilant hatred of King Mark alarms him for a moment, but he immediately recollects himself: "And what," says he, if my uncle should discover and put me to death? It is my duThe first of the two parts contains a regular and circumstan- ty to suffer death for the love of my mistress. Alas! I die every tal relation of the latter adventures of Sir Tristrem, and termi-day that I am absent from her sight!" Reflecting on the mad nates by his death, and by that of Ysolt. The other, a completeness of his attempt, he says, And why not feign madness? Unand separate episode, begins at the second column of the same der a disguise so well suited to my present circumstances. I may, page in which the other narrative is terminated, and contains only perhaps, escape suspicion, and enjoy the pleasure of laughing at single adventure; in which, however, a great part of the hero's those who are amused by my apparent folly." Gistory is artfully recapitulated. It is therefore probable that it was inserted in the monastic volume, principally on account of its presenting a short and lively summary of the preceding long, and perhaps tedious history. Be this as it may, the two Fragments differ very considerably in their style; the first being so verbose and diffuse as fully to sfy the ridicule thrown on the historian of Sir Tristrem by the author of Sire Hain and Dame Anieuse," (BARBAZAN'S FaMiaz, vol. in. p. 55,*) while the second is concise, lively, and dramatic The orthography of the two is also different and it is further to be observed, that, in the first poem, the residence of King Mark is placed in London, but in the second, at the Castle of Tintagel

The following is a free translation of the whole of the Second Fragment, which consists of 996 verses :~

At the moment when this idea came across his mind, he perceived a fisherman, whose dress seemed admirably suited to his purpose. It consisted of a coarse frock formed of rug, with a cowl or hood, and a pair of loose and tattered trousers. Tristrem beckons the fisherman to him, and says, "Friend! shall we change dresses? Mine, as you see, is the better of the two, but yours happens to strike my fancy." The fisherman, perceiving that the exchange was, in fact, much to his advantage, instantly accepts the proposal, and departs with his new wardrobe.

Tristrem had brought with him a pair of scissars, the gift of Ysolt; with these he cut off his hair, leaving only a circle round his head, and a cross on the top, so as to resemble a fool by profession. He had always possessed to admiration the talent of assuming a counterfeit voice, and from his knowledge of herbs, he was enabled to collect such blackening juices as were proper Tratrem, living in his own country at a distance from his be- to change his complexion. So complete was the metamorphosis, loved Yeolt, feels that he has been restored to life merely for the that his dearest friend would not have suspected, in this fool, the purpose of dying a thousand deaths, from the anxiety which dai-illustrious Tristrem. Seizing a stake from a hedge, and bearing by prey on his spirits. "Thought," says our author, "comforts it on his shoulder like a fool's staff, he marches, with an air of as or kills us; and such were the thoughts of Tristrem, that he surance, straight to the castle. All who meet him, view him with would have gladly ended them by his death, had it been possible a mixture of contempt and apprehension. The porter at the that his fate could have been separated from that of his faithful castle gate, meaning to banter him, exclaims," Come, fool, make He therefore forms the desperate resolution of pass- haste! where have you staid so long?"-"I have been," replies into England. It was highly important to conceal this deter- Tristrem, "at a wedding at that of the Abbot of Munt, I benation from all the world, and particularly from Kaherdin, the lieve Mons, a particular friend of mine. He has just married an rother of his wife. It was no less necessary that his appearance abbess, a great fat woman in a veil. There is not a priest, or abshould be such as should secure him from discovery in a country bot, monk, or clerk, from Mons to Besancon, who is not asked where be was so well known; and that, for this purpose, he to the marriage; and they all carry baubles and crosiers. I left should not only quit the usual accoutrements of chivalry, and as- them making a fine riot! frisking and dancing in the shade! I me the appearance of a poor and insignificant traveller, but wished to remain, but was obliged to come away, because it is that he should also disguise his features, and even his voice. my duty to serve the King at table." Instrem resolved to neglect none of these precautions and in this, says the author, he acted wisely:

"Car souvent avient domage grand

Par dire son conseil avant,

Qui se celat, et ne le dit,

Le mal, ce crois, ne encusit,†
Pour conseil dire et decouvrire,
Suit; maint mal souvent venir."

The reflections of a single night were sufficient to mature his project. In the morning he assumes his disguise, hastens to the art port, and, finding a merchant ship just on the point of weighing anchor for England, requests to be admitted on board; and embarking with a fair wind, arrives on the second day at the harbour of Tintagel, the residence of King Mark and Queen Ysolt. The castle of Tintagel was equally celebrated for its strength and magnificence. It was situated on the sea-coast of Cornwall, and ita vast square towers are said to have been the work of giants. checkered, as with azure and cinnabar (si comme de sinopre et They were built of (quarels,) regularly and exactly hard, and di eur.)-I suppose bricks alternately red and blue, as being hore or less striped, and called quarels from their being quarrés, quared. The gate of the castle, commanding its only approach, was strongly secured, and capable of being defended by two ards Immediately below the fortress were extensive and beautiful meadows, forests abounding with game, rivers filled with fish, and warrens, (so I translate gueraineries, probably Earennes) besides which, the walls being washed by the sea, this beautiful residence of King Mark and Queen Ysolt was plentifully supplied with every article of foreign merchandise, was called Tintagel, C. Chastel fer, from the following

peculiarity>-

See Introduction

The porter answered him, "Come in, son of Urgan the rough! fat and rough art thou; and thus resemblest thou thy father." The pretended madman enters by the wicket, (par le wiket,) and all the valets, squires, and pages of the court, exclaim in concert, "What a figure! a fool! a fool!" at the same time assailing him, on all sides, with sticks and stones. Tristrem was not much alarmed at such a skirmish. Parrying some blows, receiving others, and returning them with usury, he gradually found himself at the gate of the hall, which, shouldering his hedgestake, he immediately entered with an air of solemnity.

King Mark, seated at the high table, immediately perceived his new visitant, and exclaimed, Behold a curious officer of my house hold! let him be brought into my presence." He was much delighted with the air of pomp with which the fool returned the salutes of the courtiers, while approaching the royal seat." Welcome, my friend," said Mark; "whence comest thou, and what seekest thou here?"-" I will tell you whence I come, and what I seek," replied Tristrem. "My mother was a whale, and was in the habit of living, like a siren, under water. I do not recollect the exact place of my birth, but perfectly remember that my wetnurse was a tigress, who, finding me on a rock, mistook me for one of her whelps, and suckled me very carefully. But you must know that I have a sister, far more beautiful than myself. I will give her to you, if you choose, in the room of that Ysolt, of whom you are so fond."

The King, laughing immoderately at this sally, answered, "What saidst thou, thou wonder of the world?"-"I say, King." replied Tristrem," that I will give you my sister instead of Ysolt, with whom I happen to be deeply in love. Let us make a bargain!

let us try the exchange! a new beauty is well worth trying Yo

must be, by this time, tired of Ysolt, so give her me; amuse your self with a new mistress, and I promise to serve you in your court from pure affection." Fresh peals of laughter from the King, who

and they arrive together at the chamber. Brengwain enters | smiling, but Ysolt changes colour at the sight of this unwel come visitant, and complains of a sudden and violent indisposi tion. Her attendants, trained to discretion, quit the room. Tristrem runs eagerly up to his mistress, and attempts to embrace her; she sliders with aprehension, and starts from him. Tris trem enjoying her confusion, suddenly recollects his assumed character, and stationing himself near the door, proceeds, in his feigned voice, as follows:

Alas! never did I expect, fair Ysolt! such a reception from you, and from the amiable Brengwain. I have lived much too long, since I am become an object of horror and disgust to those Ilove. Oh Ysolt! Oh my love! true affection has a more retentive memory. A fountain is a beautiful object; but when it ceases to rise into the air, and throw its refreshing waters around; when it dries up in summer, it loses all its value. Such, it seems, is your love! "Friend," replied Ysolt, "thy discourse astonishes me! I see and hear you, but neither my eyes nor my ears show me, in you, the slightest resemblance of Tristrem." Tristrem answers: "Yeolt, my love! I am indeed I am your Tristrem. Do you not remember the seneschal who betrayed you to the King? He was my companion; we were of the same age, and lodged in the Am house. One night when I rose to visit you, he followed me, Cofortunately, it had snowed, and the traces of my feet betrayed me. He followed my steps in secret; he saw me enter your chamber; and next day accused me before the King. He was, I think, the first person who awakened the jealousy of your husband. Next, you cannot but remember the treacherous dwarf, our must malignant enemy, whom you so violently and so justly hated He was placed by King Mark as a spy on your actions, and his temper was well suited to such a vile commission. He watched you night and day. Once, however, we had the art to out-wit bim. Such is the inexhaustible invention of lovers, that they will arrive at last, by dint of stratagems, at the completion of their wishes. The dwarf had employed a notable artifice to detect our secret meetings, by strewing flour over your room; but I perceived the trick, and, at one jump, sprang from my bed into yours. But I received, accidentally, a scratch on my arm; your hecta were stained with blood, as were my own, when I leapt back into my bed. King Mark did not fail to observe this unlucky coincidence, and, consequently, banished me from court. Do you out remember, my love, a present I once made you? a little dog, of uncommon beauty, your favourite Cru? Do you not remember an Father and more important incident of your life, when my aucacious rival. the celebrated harper, came to your father's court, and so charmed his ears, that he obtained you as a scholar, and was on the point of carrying you off as his mistress? he had nearly borne you off to his ship; but I overheard the declaration be made to you; and, mounting my horse with a rote in my hand, overtook, and wrested you from him. He obtained you by his harp; I recovered you by my rote. Queen! you must remember, that once, when I was in disgrace with the King, and most ans to converse with you, I came into the orchard, where we had before had frequent interviews, and, sitting under a thorn, began to cut chips of wood, which were the well known signal agreed upon between us. A fountain, which rose in the orchard, dowed under your windows; I threw the chips into the water, and by the sight of them, you knew that I should come to you An enemy chanced to see me, and hastened to convey the secret to King Mark The King came at night to the garden, and concealed himself under the thorn. I arrived soon after, unConscious of his presence; but I luckily preceived his shadow, and guessed the story. I saw you coming; and was grievously alarmed, lest your eagerness in approaching me should betray you. But Heaven protected us. You too observed the second shadow, and turned back. I addressed you aloud, requesting your interposition to reconcile me to the King, whose favour I had unjustly lost or to procure from him the payment of my salary, with leave to quit the kingdom. By this fortunate accident we were saved, and I was reconciled to your husband. Ysolt! do you remember the lave (ie. trial, ordeal] that you underwent for my sake? When you came out of the boat, I held you softly in my I was perfectly disguised, according to your instructions, and my face discoloured. You ordered me to fall with you in my arma: I did so, very gently you opened your arms to me; I fell between them. The whole people were witnesses of this apparent accident, by which, I believe, you were acquitted of your 8th, and of the law (ordeal) which you had promised, before the

at night

Court, to submit to."

The Queen listened to him, marked every word, looked at him, sighed, but was unable to answer. What could she think? not a feature in his face, not a tone in his voice seemed to resemble Tristrem. Yet all' he said was correct and true. Tristrem,

who observed every change in her countenance, thus con

tinued:--

Lady! Queen! Your disposition was formerly very different! You then loved me frankly and freely; you are now full of dis

dain and reserve. Is this dissimulation? I have seen the day, fair lady, when you not only felt, but were proud to avow, your passion. When King Mark banished us both from court, you readily gave me your hand. We left the court together, and went together to the forest. What a charming retreat did we find there! it was a cave, formed by nature in the rock its entrance was narrow, and scarcely visible; but within, spacious, vaulted, and variegated, as if it had been painted by art. That vaulted cave was the scene of our pleasures during the time of our banishment. My dog, my favourite Hodain, watched us in silence. With my dog and my falcon we were at no loss for amusements. Lady! you remember how we were afterwards discovered. The King himself found out our retreat, by the assistance of the dwarf, bis constant conductor. But the eye of Heaven watched over us. The King found us asleep; but my drawn sword lay between us, and that removed all his jealousy. He drew off his glove, and laid it gently on your face, observing, that your lovely complexion was tanned and burned by the sun. His whole kindness returned and he immediately recalled us to his court. Ysolt, you must remember this. I gave you my favourite dog; I gave you Hodain: where is he? call him to me."

;

"I have him still," replied Ysolt; "and you shall see him presently. Brengwain, haste to fetch the dog, but bring him with his chain and collar." Brengwain obeyed the request of her mistress, and instantly returned with the dog, bounding before her. "Come here, Hodain !" said Tristrem ; thou wert once mine, and I now reclaim thee."

Hodain saw, and instantly recognised his master. Never did animal express such transports of joy. He howled, he sprang upon him, he rubbed his face against him, he struck the ground with his fore-feet, and expressed his affection with a warmth, which could not but affect all the beholders. Ysolt's astonishment redoubled. The fierce and terrible Hodain, whom none but herself and Brengwain dared to approach since the departure of his master, was suddenly changed in his nature, by a voice to which her ear was quite unaccustomed. She blushed, and became more and more confused. Tristrem, returning the caresses of Hodain, said to her, "Ysolt! he, whom I once fed and caressed, has not forgotten his master, though you forget the long affection and tried constancy of your lover!"

"Mult parait en chen grant franchise,
E en ferme grant feintise!"

Ysolt changed colour, and shuddered with apprehension and anxiety: he continued-"Lady! you once were loyal and constant! Do you remember the time, when, in the orchard, we were found asleep by your husband, who, in a transport of rage, determined to put an end to your life? but it was the will of Providence that I should awake; I overheard his resolution, and advertised you in time of your danger. On that occasion, you presented to me your ring. It was of gold, beautifully enamelled. received it with transport and retired."

I

"True !" exclaimed Ysolt. "Such was my pledge of faith to Tristrem! You have the ring, then? if so, show it me."

Tristrem, drawing the ring out, presented it to her. She examined it with attention, clasped her hands together, and exclaimed, with a flood of tears, "At last! at last, I have lost him! If Tristrem were still alive, no other man could possess this ring. Oh! he is dead! he is dead! Wretch that I am! all my hopes of comfort are dead with him!"

Tristrem was not proof against the tears of his beloved mistress. Overcome with compassion and admiration, he exclaimed in his natural voice," Lady! Queen! from henceforward, I cannot doubt that your constancy, like your beauty, is unaltered !" Ysolt, at the first accents of his voice, threw herself into his arms, and kissed his face and his eyes. Tristrem having requested Brengwain to bring him some water, washed away the die which had so completely changed his complexion, while Ysolt, unable to speak, or to loosen her embrace, observed in silence the revival of his features. Her joy was extreme. She will never more part with him. He shall have the best palace, and the best bed, in her husband's dominions. Tristrem, however, wishes only for the Queen. Ysolt was beautiful! Tristrem is full of joy and transport, and his fair hostess receives full proof of it. The concluding lines are singularly pretty.

"Ysolt entre les bras le tin,
Tele joi en al de sun ami
K'ele ad etant de juste li
K'ele ne sait curent euntenir
Ne le l'erat anuit mes partir!
Dit, k'il avrat bel ostel,

E bans lit, ben fait et bel;
Tristran autre chose ne quiert
Hors la Reine. Ysolt bele ere!
Tristran en est joius et ler:
Mult set ben ki il herbiger."

Chen-Chien.

ABSTRACT OF ANOTHER FRAGMENT

IN MR. DOUCE'S MS.

THIS begins, as it appears, in the middle of a ferocious speech, in which Brengwain reproaches Ysolt-Accursed be the hour," says she, when I first knew you, and Tristrem your lover! For you I abandoned my country,

Et puis, put votre fol curage,
Perdis, daine, mon pucelage!
Io'l fis, certes, pur votre amur;

Vus me promistes grant honur;'" &c.

This long-winded quarrel, which occupies 344 lines, originated, as it appears, in a mistake. Ysolt and Tristrem had persuaded Brengwain to accept the hand of Kaherdin, brother to Ysolt aux Blanches Mains, the wife of Tristrem: and Tristrem and Kaberdin, having, soon after this, secretly departed for some reason or other, Cariados, a boasting and cowardly knight, declares that he has driven them both out of the country. Poor Brengwain, extremely offended at the supposed cowardice of her husband, quarrels with Ysolt for making the match, and, in a fury, denounces her friend to King Mark.

Mark listens very patiently to her string of accusations, which, to do them justice, might have perplexed a better head than his, and urges her to explain herself a little more intelligibly, promis ing her inviolable secrecy. He had concluded, that Tristrem had lately been found, according to custom, in the embraces of Ysolt; but he hears, with astonishment, that Ysolt is now passionately in love with Cariados. This intelligence, which had no foundation but in the anger of the confidante, perplexes him more than ever ; but he ends, by desiring Brengwain to take complete charge of her mistress, and to preserve her, if possible, exclusively for his embraces.

porter, tells him his story, is received into the lodge, finds a good supper and a warm bed, and despatches the friendly porter with a message to Brengwain. But neither Tristrem's message, nor the porter's eloquence, had any effect on the enraged confidante. Ysolt, however, knowing where her lover is lodged, sees a ray of hope, employs every topic of flattery, and humbles herself so effectually, that Brengwain at length consents to go and hear Tristrem's justification; convinced, at the same time, that it must prove unsatisfactory. Tristrem, however, who was really nocent, exculpates himself completely; promises to punish Cariados for his infamous calumny, and at length is secretly conJucted by Brengwain to the chamber of Ysolt, where he lies till near morning, when he takes his leave, returns to the sea-side, meets Kaherdin, passes into Brittany, and finds Ysolt auz Blanhes Mains distracted with jealousy at the strange conduct of her ausband, but hitherto ignorant of her rival.

Tristrem being departed, Queen Ysolt, recollecting that her over had purchased one short night of happiness by much fatigue and anxiety, besides a long swoon, which may possibly have inured his health, thinks it right to do, on her part, some penance, In return for all that he had suffered for her sake. Never was here a more perfect model of female constancy and fidelity! she determined to wear, next her skin, a shift of hair cloth, which she never quitted night or day, "Fors quand couchoit a son seigneur," and she furthermore made a vow to wear it constantly ill she should hear news of Tristrem. After much suffering of mind and body, she called to her a minstrel (un vielieur,) to whom she explained, much in detail, her whole anxiety, and altimately gave instructions to communicate this information to her lover. Tristrem, on the receipt of this intelligence, becomes extremely anxious to see his Ysolt in her state of penitence; he has an interview with Kaherdin, and the two friends agree to pass over, in disguise, to Cornwall. They take new devices and armour, and set off in disguise for the court of King Mark, where they arrive just before a great festival, and are, as foreign knights, honourably received. The multitude assembled at this festival was prodigious, and the games exhibited were un usually splendid and various. Skirmishing (wrestling,)— "Et puis firent un sauz Waleis, Et uns qu' apelent Waneleis, Et puis se porterent cembeals, Et lancerent od coseals, Od gavelos et od espees:

Sur tus i fut Tristram prises."

While Ysolt thus found her former friend and confidante converted into an inflexible duenna; while Mark was more than ever a prey to jealousy; while Cariados found his passion for Ysolt less likely than ever to become successful, Tristrem and Kaherdin were proceeding on their journey. It at length, though rather late, occurred to the former, that they had quitted the objects of their affection somewhat hastily; and he determined, no Tess hastily, to return to court; to obtain a sight of Ysolt, and to explain to her the motives of his departure. He therefore quits his companion, assumes the dress of a poor man, and, by means of herbs, disfigures his face so as to appear like a leper. He blackens his face and hands, and, taking an alms cup, hanap de marre, a leper's cup,) which Ysolt had given him during the first year of their passion, he put it into a clapper of box, and thus converted it into a beggar's rattle. He then repaired to court, stationed himself near the hall door, and endeavoured to procure, In the middle of the tournament, in which the two friends by repeated questions to all whom he met, some account of his greatly distinguished themselves, Tristrem was fortunately recog mistress. His endeavours, however, were all ineffectual. At nised by one of his best friends, who, alarmed for his safety and length, on a great holyday, he saw the King and Queen proceed that of Kaberdin, and foreseeing that their valour would expose ing to the cathedral to hear mass. Tristrem attached himself to them to great danger, furnished them with two excellent horses, the Queen, and rattled so loudly, in the hopes of attracting her the fleetest of the whole country. This valuable present was reattention, calling on her by name, for some charitable donation, ceived just in time. Tristrem and Kaherdin had slain two knights, that the sergeants, offended at his pressing so close to her, thought the most powerful and popular of the court, one of whom was it necessary, by blows and menaces, to drive him out of the Cariados, and were obliged to save themselves by flight from a crowd. Tristrem bears all, but constantly returns to the charge. whole army of assailants. These, however, were Cornish assailHe follows Ysolt into the chapel of the cathedral, still rattling, ants, and not very anxious to overtake such formidable chamand crying for charity, till his importunity first raised her indigna-pions as the two friends, who arrived on the sea-coast unhurt, and tion, and then her wonder and curiosity. She casts her eyes on returned quietly to Brittany. (Here occurs the digression on the the tankard, and immediately recognises her lover; and, blushing subject of Thomas, quoted at length in the Introduction.) with alarm and surprise, draws a gold ring from her finger, which Tristrem and Kaherdin, the former of whom seems to have she endeavours to throw into the tankard. Unfortunately, the suddenly forgotten the hair-cloth shirt of Ysolt, passed some time watchful eyes of Brengwain had already made the same discove-in Brittany, in amusements of different kinds; in feasting, huntry as those of Ysolt. She calls Tristrem a sturdy beggar; scolds ing, secking adventures on the frontiers, and, when they were the sergeants for permitting him to come so near the Queen, more at leisure, in going "aux images."* and, addressing herself to Ysolt," How long have you been so charitable as to make such magnificent presents to lazars and common beggars? You wish, then, to give him a gold ring? but fortunately I have the power to prevent you from purchasing re pentance so dearly." Tristrem, finding himself buffeted. and turned out of church, by order of Brengwain, learns, for the first time, that he has excited her indignation; and, reduced to utter despair, and bewailing his misery, knows not which way to direct his steps. There was, in the outer court of the palace, near the porter's lodge, a remnant of a ruined staircase. On this he throws himself, overpowered by fatigue and anxiety, and falls into a swoon. In the meantime, the service being ended, the King and Queen returned from the cathedral to dinner: after which the evening was devoted to amusements, in which poorY solt, solely occupied by her own distress, and that of her lover, was unable to take a part. At night, it so happened, that the porter, finding himself very cold in his lodge, directed his wife to go and get some wood for the fire. "Some dry logs, my dear Marian; and some fagots immediately!" His wife, unwilling to go to the wood-pile, recol-wishes."-"I am rejoiced to find you," replied the stranger; lects some bundles of fagots lying on the old staircase. She goes thither in the dark, seizes, instead of the fagots she expected to find, the shaggy and tattered cloak of Tristrem, screams with fright, and rushes to her husband, with the assurance of her hay ing found the devil. Her husband takes a light, examines all the objects round him, and proceeding with great caution to the ruined staircase, finds a human figure cold and insensible. Tristrem, however, awakes from his swoon, recognises his tried friend the (302)

"As images se delitoient,

Pur les dames que tant amoient."

One day it happened after a chase, when the two friends, being separated from the rest of the party, were returning to the rendezvous, they discovered, riding towards them, a Breton knight on a gray horse. He was splendidly armed. His shield was of gold, fretted with vair: and so were the longe, (coat-armour,) the flag, of his spear, and his crest. The vent-gualos, (covering of his shield,) which was closely shut, was of the same suit. was tall, stout, and well-proportioned. The friends stopped, and waited his arrival. On his approach, he saluted them cour teously, which they returned, and then inquired his name, and the object of his journey.

He

Sir," said the unknown knight, "can you teach me the way to the castle of Tristrem l'Amoureux ?"-"What do you want with him?" returned Tristrem; "who are you? what is your name ? You need go no further, for I am Tristrem. Now explain your

my name is Tristrem le Nain: I am of the Marches of Brittany, On the right hand, towards the sea of Spain. I had a castle--I The had, too, a mistress; but I have unfortunately lost her. Estuit l'Orgueilleux, of night before last she was torn from me. Castle-fer has torn her away by force, and own keeps her confined in his castle. In this extremity of distress, I apply to you, as the • This seems to allude to the images of Ysolt and Brengwain in the Castle of Beliagog.-See p. 291.

303

As soon as he is equipped, they set off upon the expedition, and, after some time, arrive at Castle-fer. They stop before the walls at the edge of the forest. Estuit l'Orgueilleux was a most formidable knight, and had six brothers, knights also, and of approved valour, though inferior to him in might. Two of these brothers were just returning from a tournament with their attendants, and falling in with Tristrem's party, commenced a combat, in which they were both slain. The noise of this encounter speedily reaching the castle, the proud Estuit sallied forth with his garrison, and a fresh and more obstinate conflict ensued, in which, after prodigies of valour, he and his four remaining brothers lost their lives. But Tristrem le Nain was also killed, and Tristrem himself wounded in the loin by a poisoned lance, after slaying the ring of Tristrem, under pretence of comparing the gold, of which Thus introduced to Ysolt, Kaherdin shows her the well-known person who bore it. With great difficulty he is carried to his caste, where every effort of medicine is in vain exerted for the cure it is made, with that of the seal, or clasp, which he offers to her of his wound. Spite of all the salves and cataplasms, which and takes the supposed merchant aside, under pretence of chaf acceptance. The Queen of Cornwall instantly changes colour, were liberally applied, and the draughts, which were as unsparing-fering for the ring. Kaherdin delivers his message in ahout fifty ly administered, the gangrene becomes worse, and it is at length lines of commonplace tautology. Ysolt takes the advice of Brengevident, that no one can cure it save Ysolt of Cornwall. But it wain, and communicates to her the whole circumstances of this was impossible that Tristrem, in his reduced state, could under-distressing case. Here occurs another scene of weeping and sobtake a voyage to England, and apparently, it was as difficult for bing, betwixt the Queen and her confidante. At length the former Ysalt to come to Brittany. In this distress, Tristrem resolves to adopts the resolution of going, at all risks, to the aid of her lover. bosom himself to Kaherdin in private, and directs the chamber to She escapes from the palace by a postern gate communicating be cleared. His wife conceals herself to hear their conference, with the Thames, and embarking in the vessel of Kaherdin, they suspicious that Tristrem, with whose abstinence she was but too instantly set sail. The Minstrel describes the agonizing expectawell acquainted, was about to renounce the world, and become a monk. She learns, however, a different and yet more mortifying then returns to the voyagers, whose bark is assailed by a temtion with which Tristrem waited the approach of every vessel, and secret Tristrem, in a very long, and, to say the truth, a very dull pest. The manoeuvres of the seamen are described in nautical lamentation, bemoans his absence from Ysolt of Cornwall, and conclades by howling and sobbing so bitterly, as to melt the tender language; and the sobs and tears of Ysolt are, as usual, accombeart of Kaherdin, who, laying aside all respect for his sister's inte- panied by those of the sympathetic Kaherdin. The former derest, offers to serve his friend in whatever he should command. being wrecked on so interesting an expedition; and is only comclaims, with the poet's usual tautology, upon the hardship of Tristrem, in a second harangue, requests him to go to England in his forted by the reflection, that she will be drowned, and that Trisnew ship, and there to deliver to the Queen of Cornwall an exceeding long message entreating her to come to his relief. He also de- trem, on hearing the tidings, will assuredly drown himself also, sires him to furnish himself with two sets of sails, one white and one and that, peradventure, the stomach of the same fish may serve black; the former to be displayed in his return, if his embassy proved as a tomb to them both. ccessful, the latter, should it be otherwise; and, finally, he "Qua semel O iterum congrediamur, ait!" gives him his ring, to be presented to Ysolt, as a token from her lover. To Tristrem's wife, Kaherdin is charged only to say, in general, that he goes to England for a celebrated leach (mire) to cure her husband's wound. Thus instructed, Kaherdin, after a log indulgence of social grief with his friend, departs for England. Meanwhile, Ysolt of Brittany has heard all the secret of her husband's love, with the rage of a slighted woman. On this subject the minstrel becomes sententious:

These severe remarks upon female passion the poet cuts short, roullecting that the ladies will not be disposed to profit by his morality, and proceeds to tell how Ysolt of Brittany, though inwardly resolved on vengeance, showed every external mark of affection for her husband, inquiring often when Kaherdin would return with the skilful physician, to seek whom he had gone to Erland Kaherdin, meanwhile, pursues his way to London. The following description of that city, and of the Breton's arrival, disguised as a merchant, in the court of King Mark, is a good specimen of the language and manner of the French minstrel : Landres est mult riche cite; Meliur n'ad en Cristiente Par vaillance, ne melx assise, Melx gavarnie,† de grant prisee; Mult ament largesse et honur, Canteinent sei par grant baldur;1 Le recovers est de Engleterre Avant d'iloc ne estnet querre.J Al pe ¶ del mur li curt Tamise;

Mel arise-Mieux assise, situee. Gavarnie Guarni, provided.. Continent, &c.-Ils (les habitans de Londres) se contiennent (maintien-grinos Cupe, &c.-Une coupe bien touree; well turned upon the lathe. e) avec grand courage Recorrer-Rallying point, or bulwark. # Estrange culur-Perhaps strange means precious, as in the Italian pele Asant, &c.-Before the existence of London, England had no place of in allusion to the custom of fixing nails, or pins, into drinking-vessels. -TTT Entaille-Engraved. gh, or rallying point Pe-Pied Curt-Court-It Vent- tttt Qu'od, &c.-That he was come into the country with his property (avoir) Neelee-Annealed, or perhaps naile, Tea Des tutes, &c.-Des toutes les (terres) qui existent.§§ U 111 Ganir-Gagner, $$$$ Pais-Peace, or protection against the mean, in the hearing of all those of the palace; or perhaps oiant is derived from exactions of the officers of the royal household.- Oiant, &c.-This may the old English ayenst, against.-1111 Avers-Avoir, goods.***** Af cail seems to mean a clasp, from afficher.ttttt Secle-A seal, from sigillum; it seems to be used synonymously with a ficail-11111 Li orsL'or.- SSSSS. Trei fex-Trois fois Chuchent Couchent. 11111 Plate roie-Tapesserie raie. Plate, which is derived from plague, plagarum, seems to be the etymon of the Scottish plaid.