Baron. There is nothing, there is nobody I would not forgive an’ thou asked it, my fair lady. (Turning to Maiden.) And now, stupid one, up and fetch a stool for the minstrel.
The Maiden obeys, while the Baron seats himself beside Lady Edyth.
Baron (turning to the Minstrel). And now, sir, we are ready to hear thy ballad.
The Minstrel advances to the seat the Maiden has placed for him. As he passes her, with a low bow, he hands her the distaff which he has picked from the floor.
Lady Edyth (aside to the Baron). Marry, but thy minstrel has right courtly manners!
Baron (aside to Lady Edyth). He comes here direct from the court.
Minstrel (standing before Lady Edyth, bowing very low). I am at thy service, my lady.
Lady Edyth. Talk not of service, O minstrel; it is pleasure thou bringest, I know. Most welcome art thou, for dearly love I all ballads. Pray be seated and favor us with thy rhymes.
With another low bow the Minstrel seats himself on the stool placed before Lady Edyth’s and the Baron’s chairs. While he unslings his instrument and makes ready, the Maiden seals herself and resumes her spinning. The Man watches the Minstrel with eager, longing eyes. As the lay is chanted, he is visibly affected. He forgets his work, he forgets his station, and, as if lured by the rhyme, creeps nearer and nearer. Lady Edyth and the Baron are unconscious of the effect of the minstrelsy on the Man as the backs of their chairs are toward his position.
Minstrel. I will recite for you, my lord and lady, the lay of Thomas Rhymer.