[366] Percy supposes from this expression that there were inferior orders, as yeomen-minstrels. May we not also infer that there were superior orders, as knight-minstrels, over whom was the king-minstrel? for we are told “he was but a batchelor (whose chivalric signification has no reference to matrimony) yet.” We are disposed to believe that this was a real minstrel. Langham tells us that he was dressed “partly as he would himself:” probably, the only things which were not according to his wont, were that my Lord of Leicester may have given him a new coat; that he had a little more capon’s grease than usual in his hair; and that he was set to sing “a solemn song, warranted for story, out of King Arthur’s Acts,” instead of more modern minstrel ware.
[367] Heralds in the fourteenth century bore the arms of their lord on a small scutcheon fastened at the side of their girdle.
[368] “Annales Archæologiques,” vii. p. 323.
[369] “Eoten,” a giant; “Eotenish,” made by or descended from the giants.
[370] The Harl. MS. 603, of the close of the eleventh century, contains a number of military subjects rudely drawn, but conveying suggestions which the artist will be able to interpret and profit by. In the Add. MS. 28,107, of date A.D. 1096, at f. 25 v., is a Goliath; and at f. 1,630 v., a group of soldiers.
[371] Didde—did on next his white skin.
[372] Debate—contend.
[373] Cuirbouly—stamped leather.
[374] Latoun—brass.
[375] Compare Tennyson’s description of Sir Lancelot, in the “Lady of Shalot.”