He was so intent on pursuing his quarry that he followed the stag's tracks until he came to a clearing in the midst of a dense forest, surrounded by tall trees, in which there was a charming little pool. Bathing to cool herself in this pool was
Diana the goddess of chastity with her maidens all around her. The
knight careered into them, having had no warning of their presence. So close did he come that he could not retreat. The maidens were alarmed and embarrassed by his arrival and immediately gathered round their
mistress to cover her, for she was ashamed to be found naked, but she rose above the maidens and saw the
knight, saying,
"
Actaeon, whoever sent you here was not your friend. When you leave this place I will not have you boasting that you have seen me or my maidens naked. You must be punished for your transgression. I wish you to take the shape of the stag you have hunted today."
Actaeon was immediately transformed into a stag, which loves dogs by its very nature.'
'It is possible that something like this may have happened to the bear you told me about and that the
lady knows more about it, or knew more than she let on at the time. If this is so, then she should not be blamed.'
The squire replied, 'Maybe so.' And with that, we ended our discussion.
SHF 3-23 sync
Third Book, Chapter 15 [1388-(1356)-(1359)-(1364)]
Regarding the great feast of Saint Nicholas held by the count of Foix, and the deeds of arms which the Bascot de Mauléon recounted to master Jehan Froissart.
Among the solemnities which the
count of Foix observes on the significant feast days of the year, he holds the most splendid celebrations for the feast of Saint Nicholas, wherever he finds himself, so a squire of his court told me on the third day after my arrival at
Orthez.
On the night of Saint Nicholas in winter there is solemn observance throughout the land with festivities exceeding even those of Easter Day. I was witness to this myself as I was there on that day. The entire clergy of the town of
Orthez, and all of its inhabitants, men, women and children, walked in procession to seek out the
count at the castle, who left it with the clergy and the rest of the procession. They all came to the
church of Saint Nicholas and there sang a psalm from the Psalter of David which reads as follows: Benedictus Dominus meus qui docet manus meas ad prelium et digitos meos ad bellum (Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight).
3 When this psalm was finished it recommenced as is done on Christmas Day and Easter Day too in the chapels of the
pope or the
king of France, for at that time there were plenty of fine choristers. The
bishop of Pamiers sang the mass that day, and there I heard organs played as melodiously as I have ever heard anywhere I have been. To be quite frank, the household of the
count of Foix who reigned at the time I am speaking of was utterly perfect, and he himself so wise and astute that no prince could compare to him in intelligence, honour or generosity. At the Christmas feasts, which he kept very solemnly, many knights and squires from
Gascony could be seen coming to his court, to all of whom he gave a warm welcome. There I saw the
Bourc d'Espagne, about whom and about whose strength
Sir Espan de Lyon had already told me. This made me the more eager to see him, and the
count of Foix made him most welcome. I saw knights from
Aragon, and
Englishmen from the court of the
duke of Lancaster, who was at that time residing at
Bordeaux, whom the
count cheerfully received and presented with fine gifts.
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