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Aucassin, the only son of Count Garins of Beaucaire, is passionately in love with Nicolette, a beautiful girl of unknown parentage, bought of the Saracens, whom his father will not permit him to marry. The story turns on the adventures of these two lovers, until at the end of the piece their mutual fidelity is rewarded.
That mixture of simplicity and refinement which he was surprised to find in a composition of the thirteenth century, is shown sometimes in the turn given to some passing expression or remark; thus, "the Count de Garins was old and frail, his time was over" Li quens Garins de Beaucaire estoit vix et frales; si avoit son tans trespasse. And then, all is so realised!
"He can carry a load all day." "He won't leave Annie Oombrella, then. Or perhaps she won't let him." "When I asked her, she cried harder than ever and said that her mother was French and she would go and fight herself, if they'd have her." "Then I give it up. What does your Olympian wisdom make of it?" "I don't know. But I'm afraid the Garins are going to have trouble."
She thought of the Count Garins of Beaucaire, who so mortally hated her, and, to be rid of her, might at any moment cause her to be burned or drowned. She perceived that the old woman who kept her company was asleep; she rose and put on the fairest gown she had; she took the bed-clothes and the towels, and knotted them together like a cord, as far as they would go.
But I think it was the fact that he who stayed at home when others went forward had set a picture of Albert of Belgium in the window of his cubbyhole that most exasperated us against him. Tactless, to say the least! His call grew quavery and furtive. Annie Oombrella ceased to sing at work. Matters looked ill for the Garins.
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