"A Legend of Provence" is a narrative poem that tells a tale of love, honor, and sacrifice set in medieval Provence, France. Here's a summary of the poem:
Background:
The story takes place in the court of René, Count of Provence. René's daughter, the beautiful Yolande, is loved by two suitors: Bertrand de Born, a courageous and noble knight, and Sir Lionel, a rich and powerful lord.
The Contest:
René declares a tournament where the winner will earn the hand of Yolande. Bertrand, despite being a skilled warrior, does not have the financial resources to compete with the wealthy Sir Lionel.
A Knight's Sacrifice:
Moved by Bertrand's devotion and honorable character, Yolande devises a plan. She offers her wealth and lands to a humble but skilled knight named Hubert, requesting him to enter the tournament on Bertrand's behalf and claim the reward.
Hubert's Victory:
Hubert dons Bertrand's armor and proves himself to be an exceptional warrior, defeating all opponents in the tournament. He stands as the victor and claims the prize.
Revelation and Honor:
After the tournament, Hubert reveals his true identity to the court, shocking everyone. He then humbly presents Yolande with the victory token and requests that she grant her hand to the rightful winner, Bertrand.
Bertrand and Yolande:
Overjoyed by Bertrand's victory and Hubert's noble gesture, Yolande and Bertrand are happily united, and the court celebrates their love and the virtues of honor and selflessness.
"A Legend of Provence" explores themes of love, loyalty, and the triumph of virtue over material wealth. It highlights the importance of recognizing true worth and celebrates the power of love and self-sacrifice.