When all the company heard tell of the good Lady Oisille and the gentle
knight Simontault, they were exceedingly glad, and praised the Creator,
who, content with the sacrifice of serving-folk, had preserved their
masters and mistresses. And more than all the rest did Parlamente give
hearty praise to God, for Simontault had long been her devoted lover.
Then they made diligent inquiry concerning the road to Serrance, and
although the good old man declared it to be very difficult, they were
not to be debarred from attempting to proceed thither that very day.
They set forth well furnished with all that was needful, for the Abbot
provided them with wine and abundant victuals,(8) and with willing
companions to lead them safely over the mountains.
8 According to MS. No. 1520 (Bib. Nat., Paris), the Abbot
also furnished them with the best horses of Lavedan and good
"cappes" of Beam. The Lavedan horses were renowned for their
speed and spirit, and the Bearnese cappe was a cloak
provided with a hood.
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