If the priest of Shoreswood were here, he
could rein your wildest horse, but no spearsman in the hall will sooner
strike or join in fray. Friar John of Tilmouth is the very man! He is a
blithesome brother, a welcome guest in hall and hut. He knows each
castle, town and tower in which the ale and wine are good. He now seldom
leaves these walls, but, perchance, in your guard he will go."
In the pause that followed, young Selby, nephew of the Earl of Norham,
respectfully said, "Kind uncle, unhappy we, if harm came to Friar John.
When time hangs heavy in the hall, and the snow lies deep at Christmas
tide, when we can neither hunt nor joust, who will sing the carols, and
sweep away the stake at bowls? Who will lead the games and gambols? Let
Friar John in safety fill his chimney corner, roast hissing crabs, or
empty the flagons. Last night, there came to Norham Castle a fitter
guide for Lord Marmion."
"Nephew," said Sir Hugh, "well hast thou spoke. Say on."
"There came here, direct from Rome, one who hath visited the blessed
tomb, and worshipped in each holy spot of Arabia and Palestine. He hath
been on the hills where rested Noah's Ark; he hath walked by the Red
Sea; in Sinai's Wilderness, he saw the mount where Moses received the
law.
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