To convince her lover that it is she who is talking, Nicolette cuts off a golden curl, which she drops down into his dungeon, repeating that she must flee.

But Aucassin beseeches her not to go, knowing a young maid is exposed to countless dangers out in the world, and vehemently declares he would die were any one to lay a finger upon her.

He adds that she alone shall be his wife, and that the mere thought of her belonging to any one else is unendurable.

This declaration of love cheers poor Nicolette, who is so entranced by her lover's words that she fails to notice the approach of a patrol.

A young sentinel, however, peering down from the walls, touched by Nicolette's beauty and by the plight of these young lovers, warns them of their danger.