adventure with a shepherdess, if not absolutely copied from life, is at least partly drawn from autobiographical sources. The first of Guiraut’s six remaining pastorelas is dated 1260, and describes the poet’s meeting with the shepherdess. ‘The other day,’ he says, ‘I was walking by the side of a brook, musing and alone, for love led me to think of song, when suddenly I saw a sweet shepherdess, lovely and kind, watching her flock. I stopped before her, seeing her so comely, and she received me well. ‘My question was: “Sweetheart, are you loved by some one, and do you know what love is?” “Certainly, sir,” she answered without guile, “and I have plighted my troth, there is no doubt on the subject.” “Maiden, I am glad to have found you, if it may be that I should please you.” “Sir, you have thought of me too much; if I were foolish I might fancy a great deal.” “Maiden, do you not believe me?” “Sir, I must not.” ‘“Sweet girl, if you accept my love I am longing for yours.” “Sir, it is impossible; you have a sweetheart, and I a lover.” “Maiden, however that may be, it is you I love, and your love I would enjoy.” “Sir, look somewhere else for one who is more worthy of you.” “Better than you I do not wish for.” “Sir, you are foolish.” ‘“I am no fool, sweet mistress. Love gives me leave, and I yield to your loveliness.” “Sir, I would I were rid of your wooing speech.” “Maiden, as I live, you are too coy. My prayer is humbly made.” “Sir, I must not forget myself so much; alas! my honour would be lost if I trusted too lightly.” “Maiden, my love compels me.” “Sir, it would little beseem you.” ‘“Maiden, whatever I may say have no fear that I would dishonour you.” “Sir, I am your friend, for I see your wisdom checks your passion.” “Maiden, when I am in fear of doing wrong I think of ‘Beautiful Semblance!’”[10] “Sir, I much like your kind behaviour; for you know how to please.” “Maiden, what do I hear?” “Sir, that I love you.” ‘“Tell me, sweet maiden, what has made you speak such pleasant words?” “Sir, wherever I go I hear the sweet songs of Sir Guiraut Riquier.” “Maiden, let us not cease to speak of what I ask you.” “Sir, does not ‘Beautiful Semblance’ favour you, she who guards you from loose flatteries?” “Maiden, she will not hear me.” “Sir, she is right.”’