Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1915 edition. Excerpt:... thou dost not answer my questions three, Thy lands and thy livings are forfeit to me." Away rode the Abbot all sad at that word, And he rode to Cambridge and Oxenford; But never a doctor there was so wise, That could with his learning an answer devise Then home rode the Abbot of comfort so cold, And he met his shepherd a-going to fold: "How now, my lord Abbot, you are welcome home, VVhat news do you bring us from good King John? "Sad news, sad news, shepherd, I must give, That I have but three days more to live; For if I do not answer him questions three, My head will be smitten from my bodie. "The first is to tell him there in that stead, With his crown of gold so fair on his head, Among all his liege men so noble of birth, To within one penny of what he is worth. " The second, to tell him without any doubt, How soon he may ride this whole world about, And at the third question I must not shrink, But tell him there truly what he does think." "Now cheer up, sir Abbot, did you never hear yet That a fool he may learn a wise man wit? Lend me horse, and serving men, and your apparel, And I'll ride to London to answer your quarrel. "Nay, frown not, it hath been told unto me, I am like your lordship as ever may be; And if you will but lend me your gown There is none shall know us in fair London town." "Now horses and serving men thou shalt have, With sumptuous array most gallant and brave, With crosier, and miter, and rochet, and cope, Fit to appear 'fore our father the Pope." "Now welcome, sir Abbot," the King he did say, "'Tis well thou'rt come back to keep thy day: For and if 1 thou can'st answer my questions three, Thy life and...