This lai is the story of two lovers who are separated by necessity and cruelty. It is very typical of courtly literature, containing the elements of adulterous, yet chaste love; the jealous cuckhold who plans and gains revenge; a curse against those who thwart the love; and a symbol or token of love, in this case, the nightingale.

Compare the author's treatment of this adulterous love affair with that of the previous story, Bisclavret. I believe her contention is not that adulterous love is wrong as represented in Bisclavret, or right as represented here in L'Austic, but that Love is good, and should not be frustrated or destroyed. This, too, is a perfect example of the theory of Courtly Love, rather than the practice-- there is no sex, it is not even a major point or necessity, being just mentioned in passing. This is a cerebral, almost philosophical love, to which a parallel can well be drawn to the perfect love and communion for which one was supposed to strive in one's religion, with the physical plane being a mere distraction.

Interesting to note is how the lady's husband is at first said to have many fine qualities, but later proves himself to be petty and malicious. That dichotomy is arguably an apt description of much of the Middle Ages-- remarkably admirable, but at the same time, appallingly vicious. For the complete text of all the lais, visit the International Marie de France Society.

With hopes of your enjoyment, Lady Marguerite de Bordeaux

In the region of St. Malo was a famous town and two knights dwelt there, each with a fortified house. Because of the fine qualities of the two men, the town acquired a good reputation. One of the knights had taken a wise, courtly, and elegant wife who conducted herself, as custom dictated, with admirable propriety. The other knight was a young man who was well known amongst his peers for his prowess and great valor. He performed honorable deeds gladly and attended many tournaments, spending freely and giving generously whatever he had. He loved his neighbor's wife and so persistently did he request her love, so frequent were his entreaties and so many qualities did he possess that she loved him above all things, both for the good she had heard about him and because he lived close by.

They loved each other prudently and well, concealing their love carefully to ensure that they were not seen, disturbed or suspected. This they could do because their dwellings were adjoining. Their houses, halls and keeps were close by each other and there was no barrier or division, apart from a high wall of dark-hued stone. When she stood at the bedroom window, the lady could talk to her beloved in the other house and he to her, and they could toss gifts to each other. There was scarcely anything to displease them and they were both very content except for the fact that could not meet and take their pleasure with each other, for the lady was closely guarded when her husband was in the region. But they were so resourceful that day or night they managed to speak to each other and no one could prevent their coming to the window and seeing each other there.

For a long time they loved each other, until one summer when the copses and meadows were green and the gardens in full bloom. On the flower-tops the birds sang joyfully and sweetly. If love is one anyone's mind, no wonder he turns his attention towards it. I shall tell you the truth about the knight. Both he and the lady made the greatest possible effort with their words and with their eyes. At night, when the moon was shining and her husband was asleep, she often rose from beside him and put on her mantle. Knowing her beloved would be doing the same, she would go and stand at the window and stay awake most of the night. They took delight in seeing each other, since they were denied anything more.

But so frequently did she stand there and so frequently leave her bed that her husband became angry and asked her repeatedly why she got up and where she went.

"Lord," replied the lady, "anyone who does not hear the song of the nightingale knows none of the joys of this world. This is why I come and stand here. So sweet is the song I hear by night that it brings me great pleasure. I take such delight in it and desire it so much that I can get no sleep at all."

When the lord heard what she said, he have an angry, spiteful laugh and devised a plan to ensnare the nightingale. Every single servant in his household constructed some trap, net or snare and then arranged them throughout the garden. There was no hazel tree or chestnut tree on which they did not place a snare or bird-lime, until they had captured and retained it. When they had taken the nightingale, it was handed over, still alive, to the lord, who was overjoyed to hold it in his hands.

He entered the lady's chamber. "Lady," he said, "Where are you? Come forward and speak to us. With bird-lime I have trapped the nightingale which has kept you awake so much. Now you can sleep in peace, for it will never awaken you again."

When the lady heard him she was grief-stricken and distressed, She asked her husband for the bird, but he killed it out of spite, breaking its neck wickedly with his two hands. He threw the body at the lady, so that the front of her tunic was bespattered with blood, just on her breast. Thereupon he left the chamber.

The lady took the tiny corpse, wept profusely and cursed those who had betrayed the nightingale by constructing the traps and snares, for they had taken so much joy from her.

"Alas," she said, "misfortune is upon me. Never again can I get up at night or go to stand at the window where I used to see my beloved. I know one thing for certain. He will think I am faint-hearted, so I must take action. I shall send him the nightingale and let him know what has happened."

She wrapped the little bird in a piece of samite, embroidered in gold and covered in designs. She called one of her servants, entrusted him with her message and sent him to her beloved. He went to the knight, greeted him on behalf of his lady, related the whole message to him and presented him with the nightingale. When the messenger had finished speaking, the knight, who had listened attentively, was distressed by what had happened.

But he was not uncourtly or tardy. He had a small vessel prepared, not of iron or steel, but of pure gold with fine stones, very precious and valuable. On it he carefully placed a lid and put the nightingale in it. Then he had the casket sealed and carried it with him at all times.