The House of Walderne - A Tale of the Cloister and the Forest in the Days of the Barons' Wars by A. D. (Augustine David) Crake
page 19 of 339 (05%)
page 19 of 339 (05%)
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central fire filled the hovel. Their hosts produced a decoction of
honey, called mead, of which a little went a long way, and soon they were all quite convivial. "Canst thou not sing a song, Stephen, like a gallant troubadour from the land of the sunny south, to reward our hosts for their entertainment?" And Stephen sang one of the touching amatory ballads which had emanated so copiously from the unfortunate Albigenses of the land of Oc. The sweet soft sounds charmed, although the hosts understood not their meaning. "And now, my lad, have not thy parents taught thee a song?" said the knight, addressing the boy. "Sing thy song of the Greenwood, Martin," added the mother. And the boy sang, with a sweet and child-like accent, a song of the exploits of the famous Robin Hood and Little John: Come listen to me, ye gallants so free, All you that love mirth for to hear; And I will tell, of what befell, To a bold outlaw, in Nottinghamshire. As Robin Hood, in the forest stood, Beneath the shade of the greenwood tree, He the presence did scan, of a fine young man, As fine as ever a jay might be. |
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