Aucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and Legends
General
Aucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and Legends
French literature -- To 1500 -- Translations into English; Romances; Tales -- France; Tales, Medieval
Now telleth the tale that the chaplain pressed Sir Raoul right
earnestly that he should pass beyond the sea, and thus discharge his
surety from the bond, for much he feared that the knight would yet find
reason to remain. So instant was the priest in pleading, that Sir Raoul
saw well that go he must. He made him ready for his journey, spending
money without stint, and at the end set forth upon the road, him and
his three squires. He drew presently to Marseilles-on-Sea, and there
sought lodging at the French Hostelry owned by Sir Robert and by John.
When John set eyes upon him he knew him well, because he had seen him
many times, and for reason of the scar of the wound that he had given
him. The knight sojourned in the town for fifteen days, till he might
find passage in some vessel going oversea. Whilst he was dwelling at
the inn John took him apart and asked him of the purpose of his
journey, whereat Messire Raoul told him openly all the occasion
thereof, just as the tale hath related already. John listened to his
story, but answered naught for good or evil. Presently Sir Raoul caused
his harness and his gear to be bestowed on the nave, and mounted in the
ship, but for eight days it might not depart from forth the harbour. On
the ninth day the vessel sailed from port on its way to the Holy
Sepulchre. Thus Sir Raoul did his pilgrimage, and there made honest
confession of his sins. In sign of penitence his confessor charged him
strictly to restore to the knight and his lady the fief he held in
scorn of law and right; and Sir Raoul promised straitly that when he
came again to his own land he would carry out the wishes of his heart.
So parting from Jerusalem he voyaged to Acre, and took passage in the
first homing ship, as a man who desires above all things to look upon
the face of his own country. He adventured on the sea, and fared so
speedily, by night as by day, that in less than three months he cast
anchor at the port of Aigues Mortes. Parting from the harbour he stayed
not till he was come to Marseilles, where he rested eight days at the
inn owned by Sir Robert and John, which inn men called the French
Hostelry; but Sir Robert did not recall him to mind, for he thought but
little of Sir Raoul. At the end of eight days he set forth from
Marseilles with his three squires, and at length returned to his own
home, where his household received him gladly, for he was a great lord,
very rich in land and in store. His chaplain inquired of him if any had
asked the reason for his journey.
"Yes," said he, "in three places, to wit, Marseilles, Acre, and
Jerusalem. Moreover that priest who shrived me counselled me to give
back his lands to my lord, Sir Robert, so I may find him, or if I may
not hear of him, to his wife or his heirs."
"Certes," said the chaplain, "he gave you godly counsel."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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