CHAPTER II.

LITERATURE IN THE FRENCH LANGUAGE UNDER THE NORMAN AND ANGEVIN KINGS.

I. Diffusion of the French Language.--The French language superimposed on the English one--Its progress; even among "lowe men"--Authors of English blood write their works in French 116

II. The French Literature of the Normans and Angevins.--It is animated by their own practical and adventurous mind--Practical works: chronicles, scientific and pious treatises 120

III. Epic Romances.--The Song of Roland and the Charlemagne cycle--Comparison with "Beowulf"--The matter of Rome--How antiquity is _translated_--Wonders--The matter of Britain--Love--Geoffrey of Monmouth--Tristan and Iseult--Lancelot and Guinevere--Woman--Love as a passion and love as a ceremonial 125

IV. Lays and Chansons.--Shorter stories--Lays of Marie de France--Chansons of France--Songs in French composed in England 141

V. Satirical and Ironical Works.--Such works introduced in England--The pilgrimage of Charlemagne--The "Roman de Renart," a universal comedy--Fabliaux--Their migrations--Their aim--Their influence in England 146