The palace shone bravely with torches and flambeaux set in the wall, and borne in the hands of many lackeys all about the rooms. Our King, the Well-beloved, no longer ill, was full of pleasure at the masques which had been planned for this ball. He was scarce older than was I, since he was but nineteen years, and when he was not ill, ever loved to mingle in all the sports going forward.
“NONE LOOKING ON MY STATELY DUCHESS WOULD DEEM THAT SHE HAD BUT FIFTEEN YEARS.”—Page [48].
The dancing had come to an end. Quickly a space was cleared, and as I stood behind my Lady, a loud voice crieth out,—
“The wild men, the wild men! Give the wild men room!”
Of a truth they were frightful to see,—five chained together, led by a sixth who leaped along in front shouting, all of them being covered with long shaggy hair after the manner of some strange beasts.
As the mummers passed, for they were but dressed to look like wild men, I tweaked betwixt finger and thumb a bit of the fur, and lo, it was but ravelled tow. Now I knew right well why the word had been passed that none with lights should move about the room. With what wild shouts did the mummers leap here and there amongst the guests! Some were affrighted and ran screaming away. The leader of them all runneth up to my mistress.
“Dost thou know me?” cried he.
Right firmly she held him by the hand.
“Not yet,” saith she, “but shall ere I let thee go.”