It was a gentleman returning from the army,

Upon the road he met a shepherd maid;

He dismounted quickly, and went to sit beside her.

Cunning was the maid, and wept as if afraid.

"Have mercy, gentleman, you 'll spoil my fine, white cap,

I 'll go and put it off, and come back quite soon."

The gallant gentleman found the time quite tedious,

The maiden did not come; he whistled a blank tune.

"John, my little John, go and tell the maiden

To come back at once, for she must be asleep."

"Good fortune it is to me that I have got away,

By the grace of God I have no shame to weep."

"Little John returned to where his master waited,

Whistling a blank tune beneath the willow tree,

"Alas, my master, the maid is very cunning;

She is safe at home, and sends you mockery."

The gallant ceased his tune, and swore in bitter anger,

"If again that maid I meet by any hap,

Either in the highroad, or on the flowery meadow,

I will have no mercy on her fine, white cap."

Then the love songs of Poitou have a light and humorous turn, a jest at the fickleness of the runaway lover, and the easy consolation of the young maiden, whose desire is more to have a lover than that he should be any particular person. La Belle Rosalie illustrates this gay mockery of youthful love.