attending the courtship of the duke and duchess are then shadowed forth by an account of their death, and revival, ending in their union. Then follows a long and highly important passage, evidently, up to a certain point, narrating facts. After the marriage was determined upon, the royal lovers sent out messengers in all directions "To kinges, queenes, and duchésses, To divers princes, and princesses," inviting them to be present at the solemnity. Then, says the poet, they ordered that certain knights and squires and officers-- "In manner of an embassade, With certain letters clos'd and made, Should take the bargè and depart, And seek _my lady_ every part Till they her found." The duke and duchess[26] (Blanche) tell them to charge her to be there at the day; again and again Blanche desires to be commended to her, and she is to be told that, unless she come, all will be wasted, "And the feast but a business, Withouten joy or lustiness." The embassy departs, and, after fourteen days, returns with the object of their search in the barge. The duchess, in her delight, cannot wait for her arrival at the court, but, says the poet, she met my lady on the sand, and clasped her in her arms. And for twelve hours after they parted not, but wandered alone, talking of their joys and troubles, with the pleasure natural to their young and tender years. And when night came, they still remained together. On the morrow the prince of lords "Came, and unto my lady said Of her coming glad, and well apaid[27] He was, and full right cunningly Her thankèd, and full heartily, And laugh'd and smil'd, and said, 'Ywis That[28] was in doubt, in safety is.'" The marriage takes place, and then, continues the poet,