I followed the train of King Richard, and mayhap at some of the entertainments given by him you have seen my face.

My name is Blondel." "I remember now," the knight said.

"It was at Acre that I first saw you, and if I remember rightly you can wield the sword as well as the lute." "One cannot always be playing and singing," Blondel said, "and in lack of amusement I was forced to do my best against the infidel, who indeed would have but little respected my art had I fallen into his hands.

The followers of the prophet hold minstrels but in slight reverence." "What is the news of King Richard ?" the knight said.

"I have heard that he was lost on the voyage homewards." "It is not so," Blondel said.