Gabriel, feeling after his long imprisonment in the Castle like one in a dream, fearing every minute lest he should wake and find this strange adventure unreal, crossed the snowy quad, and at a nod from his companion began to sing the Bosbury Carol, Humphrey cleverly putting in an effective accompaniment on the lute. Out into the still frosty air rang the quaint old words, and feverish excitement gave strength to the voice of the half-starved prisoner.
When we were all, through Adam’s fall,
Once judged for to die;
And from all mirth brought to the earth,
To dwell in misery;
God pitied then His creature man,
In Scripture as you may see,
And promised that a woman’s seed
Should come for to make us free.
Oh! praise the Lord with one accord,