He came to a fair countray
Was as bright as any day.
There in the middle of a lawn he saw a fair high castle of gold and silver and precious stones.
No man might tell ne think in thought
The riches that therein was wrought.
The porter let him in, as a minstrel, and he was brought before the king and queen. ‘How do you come here?’ said the king; ‘I never sent for you, and never before have I known a man so hardy as to come unbidden.’ Then Sir Orfeo put in a word for the minstrels; ‘It is our manner’, he said, ‘to come to every man’s house unbidden’,
‘And though we nought welcome be
Yet we must proffer our game or glee.’
Then he took his harp and played, and the king offered him whatever he should ask.
‘Minstrel, me liketh well thy glee.’