In this extraordinary night scene, all colors have been muted. Except for the faint of metal from Cueur's armor and Desire's tunic. All clothing has turned black, setting off the barely distinguishable faces and hands in the uncertain light. Ahead in the threatening dark, the jagged reefs of a rocky island are discernible; beyond its distant outline there is the pale hint of an as yet invisible moon. The night sky is full of golden stars. Waves are beating against the reefs which the stern of the boat is approaching. At the edge of the cliff, two women are seen angling; one is just lifting her catch out of the water. Sociability ( Compaignie ) and Friendship ( Amittie ) are good friends of Confidante and Accord. Their rocky island is a way station on the voyage to the Isle of Love; their tent shows a little light at the top; they are here to offer friendly hospitality to lovers en route.
The crossing was stormy; all three companions were struck down by seasickness. Cared for by the crew ( Confidante and Accord ), Cueur, Desire, and Generosity fell asleep toward evening as the storm abated, and slept until they reached the island. Here they now land and are invited into the tent by their hostesses. Instead of bread they are served a kind of biscuit made of roasted fish, called Farewell ( Validire ), and a salad, Sweet Reply ( Doulce Response ). It is Friday and thus a fast day, on which no other food may be eaten in Love's domain. Served with an excellent wine, the meal is gratefully received, the hardships forgotten. After the repast everyone goes outdoors, Sociability and Friendship to take up their fishing rods again, because the fish can be caught only at night. The guests wander about the island admiring the waves glittering in the light of the stars, under the night sky........
This completes the description of the illuminations.
There remains 72 folio pages in Rene's manuscripts
in which he reveals the fate of Le Cueur ( Rene's heart)
Continuation of story line as told by Rene may be viewed here
Webpage hosted by GEOCITIES Get your free homepage Here
