Here they speak and tell the story.
When Aucassin heard the shepherd boys, he minded him of Nicolette his most sweet friend whom he loved so well; and he bethought him that she had been there. And he pricked his horse with the spurs, and came to the shepherd boys.
"Fair children, may God help you!"
"May God bless you!" said he who was more ready of speech than the others.
"Fair children," said he, "say again the song that you were saying just now!"
"We will not say it," said he who was more ready of speech than the others. "Sorrow be his who sings it for you, fair sir!"
"Fair children," said Aucassin, "do you not know me?"
"Aye, we know well that you are Aucassin, our young lord; but we are not your men, but the Count's."
"Fair children, you will do so, I pray you!"
"Hear, by gog's heart!" said he. "And why should I sing for you, an it suit me not? When there is no man in this land so rich,
