Evening star., 1905-10-29

chosen knights came straight for it. and
indeed they were very brave men, but such
drift of arrows met them that few came
back Then came the Germans, and they
also fought very bravely, so that one
two broke through the archers and came as
far as the feather bed, but all to no purpose
Then out rides our own little hothead with
the patch over his eye and my Lord
Audley with his four Cheshire squires
and few others of like kidney, and after
them went the prince and Chandos, and
then the whole throng of US. with ak and
sword, for we had shot away our arrows.
Ma fol! it was a foolish thing, for we
came forth from the hedges and there was
naught to guard the baggage had they
ridden round behind US. But all went well
with us, and the king was taken, and little
Robby Withstaff and I feM in with vain
with twelve firkins of wine for the king
own table. and by my hilt! If you ask me
what happened after that / cannot answer
you, nor can little Robby Withstaf either
And next day?"
by my faith! we did not tarry long, but
we hied back to Bordeaux. where we came
In safety With the King of France and also
the feather bed. 1 sold my spoil, mes gar
cons. for as many gold pieces as l could
hold in my hufken, and for seven days /
lighted twelve wax candles upon the altar
OF st. Andrew; for II you forget the blessed
when things are well with you they are
very likely to forget you when you have
need of them. I have score Of one hum
dred and nineteen pounds Of wax against
the holy Andrew, and, as he was a very
just man. doubt not that I shall have full
weight and measure when have most need
of it,"
Tell me. Master Aylward" cried a
young, fresh-faced archer at the further
end OF the room. what was this great bat
tie aboutT'
why, you jack-fool, what would 1t be
France7"
II thought that mayhap it might be as to
VINO shouid nave this feather bed of thine"
II come down to you, Silas, 1 may lay
my belt across your shoulders" !" AyIward
| answered, amid a general shout of laugh
ter. But 1t Is time young chickens went
to roost when they dare cackle against
their elders 1t is late, Smon''
Nay. let us have another song"
Here is Arnold Of Sowley will troll as
good stave as any man in the company"
Nay, we have one here who is second to
none said Hawtayne. laying his hand
upon big Johns shoulder II have heard
him on the cog with voice like the wave
upon the shore. I pray you, friend to give
| us The Bells of Milton or, il you Will.
The Franklin's Maid"
Horde John drew the back of his hand
across his mouth, fixed his eyes upon the
corner of the ceiling. and beloved forth.
In voice which made the torches flicker.
the e-southland ballad for which he had been
| asked:
The franklin he hath gone to roam,
The franklin's maid, she bides ut home
But she is cold and coy and staid,
And who may win the franklins mafdf
There came a knight Of high renowu.
In bassinet and ciclafoun;
On bended knee full long he prayed
+ He might not win the franklin's maid,
There came squire 30 debonair
His dress was rich, his words were fair
BE sweetly sung, he deftiy played:
He could not win the franklin's maid
There came q mercer wonder-f1pe
With velvet cap and gaberdine:
For all his ships, for all his trade
| He could not buy the franklin's maid
There came an archer bold and true,
With bracer guard and stave Of yew:
His purse was light. his terkin frayed:
Haro. alas! the frankIin's maidl
ssOh. some have laughed and some have cffoa
And sone have secured tbs countFyutdel