[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

gave birth to the King of bliss Without a sin or sore, Putting to rights all who are poor Wining life for us evermore.
At the conclusion of his song, Bear bowed his head, crossed himself and clasped his hands over his chest - the image of
humility.
The priest was clearly pleased Smiting, he raised his hands over Bear's head and pronounced a blessing.
At this, Bear jumped up and nodded to me. I took it to be a signal to resume my playing, which I did with gusto, It was not
long before most of the townspeople had gathered around us in a great circle. Off to one side, I played the music, while Bear
performed in the centre. Midway through his dance, he gathered up his leather balls and began to juggle.
I could hear 'oohs' and 'aahs' from the crowd, as Bear added first a third ball, then a fourth. Then, when he stepped forward
and snatched a mazer from the hands of one of the onlookers and added it to the revolving mix, there was laughter and
applause.
The young man from whom he'd taken the mazer was a small, one-eyed youth - he wore a patch over his other eye. He also
had a thin, scraggly beard that seemed designed to proclaim him older than he was. Though others roared at Bear's antics, this
young man took offence and, with growing anger, made three attempts to snatch his drinking bowl back.
Each time, with great dexterity, Bear seemed to offer him the mazer, but at the last moment tossed it high. This was done to
the great hilarity of the crowd, but to the increasing resentment of the young man.
Finally, muttering curses under his breath, the young man stormed away. No one seemed to care.
Attentive to what I'd been taught, I approached Bear. Still dancing and juggling, he inclined his head to allow me to remove
his cap. I took it. Holding it before me, I moved about, saying nothing, but begging for coins.
To my great delight, we received a few pennies, as well as some bread.
When Bear was finally done and stood all in a sweat, people gathered around him, even as children surrounded me and pelted
me with Questions.
'What's your name?', 'Where are you from?', 'Where are you going?', 'How'd you learn such things?' 'Is your father the biggest
man in the world!' were among the questions I was asked.
I started to respond honestly, but caught myself and gave another name. Another place. As for Bear, remembering what he
had said, I claimed him for my father.
At length Bear called me to his side. Led by the priest - who was nothing but smiles now - we entered the church. Many from
the village followed us inside. One of them, I noticed, was the one-eyed young man, who had returned. He gazed at Bear with
such malevolence I thought he might offer harm.
The church was like my own at Stromford, though with different imagery on the walls. In particular, there was a vision of
Jesus harrowing Hell, the demons frightening to behold.
Before the altar both Bear and I knelt and I, at least, prayed·
'And where will you be going next!' the priest asked afterwards.
The onlookers seemed as interested in our answers as was the priest,
'To Great Wexly for the fair on the Feast of John the Baptist,' Bear returned,  but always towards Canterbury,' he added.
'There are many villages here about,' the priest informed us.  But you need to be on the alert for a notorious murderer.'
I had been gazing at the images on the walls. Now I turned to listen.
'What do you mean!' Bear said to the priest.
'At a village north of here, I'm not sure which, a boy went mad. After robbing the manor house, he killed a priest'
I hastily looked down lest I give myself away. But as I shifted, I became aware that the one-eyed young man was staring right
at me.
'God mend all, Bear cried with horror, making the sign of the cross.  Can t they find him?'
'No one knows where he's fled, the priest said.  But an official came here, along with a troop of armed men. They say the
youth is very dangerous. He's been declared a wolf's head. There's a twenty-shilling reward for taking him dead or alive.
'I'm grateful for your warning, Bear said, stony faced 'We would love to earn that money. Who is your lord here!'
'Lord Furnival, the priest replied.  And though he's been gone for these fourteen years, we've received word that - give
thanks to God - though gravely ill, he's at last returned to England. We pray daily that he may recover and that we may see
him soon;
'God is kind to those who love Him, Bear said.  How did you learn this news!'
'He sent a courier, a man named du Brey.
With many gracious words, Bear took leave of the priest. Then he mingled with the towns people and asked them many [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]