was not much greater. I sat and repeated to them the better part of the seventh canto of the second book of Master Spenser’s “Faery Queen.” Then I told them the story of the Moor of Venice, and ended by relating Smith’s tale of the three Turks’ heads. It all answered the purpose to admiration. When at length they went away to change their paint for the coming feast Diccon and I laughed at that foolery as though there were none beside us who could juggle with words. We were as light-hearted as children — God forgive us!

The day wore on, with relay after relay of food which we must taste at least, with endless smoking of pipes and speeches that must be listened to and answered. When evening came and our entertainers drew off to prepare for the dance, they left us as wearied as by a long day’s march.