laughter. As the Friar entered he began in a queer singsong tone; accompanying himself on a harp:
"‘King Estmere then pulled forth his harp,
And played thereon so sweet:
Upstarte the ladye from the Kynge
As hee sate at the meate.
"‘"Now stay thy harpe, thou proude harper.
Now stay thy harpe, I say;
For an thou playest as thou beginnest
Thou'lt till my bride awaye."’"
"Truly," said Hugh, "you make so good a minstrel, good Friar, that I would we had known it earlier."
"Yes," Edgar agreed, "I could wish to hear you sing us the whole 'Ballad of King Estmere,' if only for the pleasure of it. But do you know other ballads as well, and can you in all things play the minstrel?"
"Yea, truly," answered the Friar. "I know a dozen stories and songs of bold Robin Hood"
"I could wish you to sing of him," said Hugh eagerly. "I once wore the Lincoln green, and dwelt in Sherwood with good Robin himself, though I do not tell all the world so. But now let's to bed, good harper, for there will be much to do before the week is over. You may of a surety go into the very camp of the Count, for I think you might even go into the very court of
