Aucassin and Nicolette

IX

Sung

Aucassin knew that upon his return
he would have a kiss:
one hundred thousand marcs of pure gold
would not have made him as happy.
He asked for expensive attire,
which was prepared for him:
again he donned a double-layered coat of mail,
tied his helmet on his head,
girded his sword on a pommel of pure gold,
mounted his charger
and took up shield and lance.
He looked at both his feet,
they were well set in the stirrups:
his satisfaction was total.
Remembering his friend,
he spurred his charger
which galloped with ardor:
he went straight out the door
into full battle.