I have given the first pastoral _in extenso_, to convey an idea to the reader of the charming tone pervading the whole number. The idea is simple enough: an amorous knight, whose importunate offers to an unprotected girl are kept in check by mere dint of graceful, witty, sometimes tart reply. This motive is essentially the same in the five remaining pieces of the series. Several variations are, however, introduced with the aggregate result of a kind of plot or story. Two years are supposed to have elapsed between the first poem and the second. Again the pair meet; and again there are passionate importunities on the one, and graceful evasions on the other side. Remarkable is especially the sly humour with which the girl receives the knight’s excuses for his long absence. The first stanza, with a translation subjoined, may serve as specimen:— L’autrier trobei la bergeira d’antan, Saludei la, e respos mi la bella; Pueis dis: ‘Senhor com avetz estat tan Q’ieu nous ai vist? ges m’amors nous gragella?’ ‘Toza si fa mai qe no fas semblan.’ ‘Senhor, l’afan per qe podetz soffrir?’ ‘Toza, tals es q’aissi m’a fag venir.’ ‘Senhor et ieu anava vos cercan.’ ‘Toza, aissi etz vostres anhels gardan.’ ‘Senhor, e vos en passan so m’albir.’ My shepherdess I found of yester year, And to my greeting she made meek reply: ‘Sir, do you hold,’ she said, ‘my love so dear, That year and day have passed since you were nigh?’ ‘I love you, maiden, more than may appear.’ ‘How could you bear the burden of your pain?’ ‘It is my love that brought me here again.’ ‘Sir, many a time I sought you far and near.’ ‘Your flock alone, O maiden, you hold dear.’ ‘Through many lands to wander _you_ are fain.’