tide, when we can neither hunt nor joust, who will sing the carols, and
sweep away the stake at bowls? Who will lead the games and gambols? Let
Friar John in safety fill his chimney corner, roast hissing crabs, or
empty the flagons. Last night, there came to Norham Castle a fitter
guide for Lord Marmion."

"Nephew," said Sir Hugh, "well hast thou spoke. Say on."

"There came here, direct from Rome, one who hath visited the blessed
tomb, and worshipped in each holy spot of Arabia and Palestine. He hath
been on the hills where rested Noah's Ark; he hath walked by the Red
Sea; in Sinai's Wilderness, he saw the mount where Moses received the
law. He knows the passes of the North, and is on his way to distant
shrines beyond the Forth. Little he eats, and drinks only of stream or
lake. He is a fit guide for moor and fell."

"Gramercy!" exclaimed Lord Marmion. "Loth would I be to take Friar John,
if this Palmer will lead us as far as Holy-Rood. I'll pay him not in
beads and cockle shells, but in 'angels' fair and good. I love such holy
ramblers. They know how to charm each weary hill with song or romance.

"'Some jovial tale, or glee, or jest,
They bring to cheer the way.'"

"Ah! sire," said young Selby, as he laid his finger on his lip in token
of silence, "this man knows more than he has ever learned from holy
lore. Last night, we listened at his cell, and strange things we heard.
He muttered on till dawn. No conscience clear and void of evil intent
remains so long awake to pray."