[77] The subject of this romance appears to have been taken
from the ecclesiastical history of Normandy. There is still remaining,
near Rouen, the priory of the Lovers, which tradition reports to have
been founded by the father on the very same spot where they perished,
and on the tomb which contained them. M. de la Mere's Dissertation.
No. 8.--LAUSTIC.
The author tells us, this lay is called, in the Breton tongue,
Laustic,[78] and in "right English," the Nihtegale (Nightingale). It is
very well written, and contains many picturesque descriptions; in the
district of St. Malos is the town of Bon, which derives its name from
the goodness of two knights who formerly dwelt in it. One was married;
the other was in love with his neighbour's wife, who returned his
affection. The houses were so near, being only separated by a wall, that
they could easily, from the windows of their respective bed chambers,
interchange glances, talk without being overheard, and toss to each
other little presents and symbols of attachment. For the purpose of
enjoying this amusement, the lady, during the warm nights of spring and
summer, used to rise, and throwing a mantle over her, repair to the
window, and stay there till near the dawn of day. Her husband, much
annoyed by this practice, roughly asked what was the object which so
constantly allured her from her bed, and was told that it was the sweet
voice of the Nightingale. Having heard this he set all his servants to
work, spread on every twig of his hazels and chesnut trees a quantity of
bird-lime, and set throughout the orchard so many traps and springs,
that the nightingale was shortly caught. Immediately running to his
wife, and twisting the bird's neck, he tossed it into her bosom so
hastily that she was sprinkled with the blood; adding that her enemy
was now dead, and she might in future sleep in quiet. The lady, who, it
seems, was not fertile in expedients, submitted to the loss of her
nightly conversations, and was contented with exculpating herself
towards her lover by sending him the dead bird inclosed in a bag of
white satin, on which she embroidered the history of its fate; and her
gallant paramour caused his mistress's present to be inclosed in a
golden box, richly studded with gems, which he constantly carried about
his person.[79]