Medieval Romance
The Romance of Eustache the Monk
13th century, Old French, Bibliothèque Nationale.
The collier sends the Count back after the man who has stolen his clothes, but by this time Eustache has exchanged his clothes with a potter.
Eustache the monk has left his monastery and lives as an outlaw, making life as difficult as he can for his arch enemy, the Count of Bourlogne. On one occasion, disguised as a leper, he steals a fine horse from the Count’s entourage.
On another occasion, disguised as a collier, he directs the Count into the forest where he and his men find the true collier dressed in Eustache's clothes. The poor man, after a beating, directs them back towards the collier-in-disguise, but by this time Eustache has exchanged his clothes with a potter.
On another occasion, Eustache disguises himself as a woman.
