Her mother thought she’d dance to death.
But there came a knight bold and fair
Who danced as lightly as the air.
The maiden was utterly enthralled
When they two danced, she could not halt.
They danced each night
They danced each day
Together they danced their lives away.
Philip wasthe first of the boys to cavort as he danced into the middle of the circle to meet Luc, who postured as a knight disinclined to dance. Their antics encouraged the others to do much the same.
And when they halted finally,
They still eyed each other ardently.
The maid’s father saw his chance
And offered his daughter in happiness.
The pair embraced; the match was made,
And they danced together every day.
They danced each night
They danced each day
Together they danced their lives away.
There was a maiden of Sainte-Chapelle,
Who loved to dance so very well.
She danced all day and half the night,
She possessed no other appetite
And never were there a happier pair
Than the dancing maid and her partner.
They danced each night
They danced each day
Together they danced their lives away.
The entire companybroke into applause when they finished, breathless. Isabella’s ankle ached a little, but she ignored its complaint and clapped along with the others.
When Amaury insisted that they dance it again, the better to improve their skills, Isabella found herself nodding agreement. The steps were familiar and Amaury was an admirable partner. This time, they sang more loudly together, all having learned the words. This time, Amaury lifted her high to swing her around when they met in the middle, the grip of his hands upon her waist as thrilling as the sparkle in his eyes.
On the third repeat, the others became more raucous. Luc and Thierry began to frolic, their gestures more sweeping and their voices much louder. The boys pretended to hold their skirts high and spun so much that one stumbled and fell. The closest knight scooped him up and set him on his feet with a flourish, then bowed like a courtier, and they all began to laugh at their own antics. When they finished with deep bows and applauded each other, Isabella could not suppress her laughter.