When they had come near to the minstrels, Little John waved his staff like an usher clearing the way.

"Make way!" he cried in a loud voice.

"Make way! make way! For here we go, we three!" Then how the minstrels stared, and how they laughed! But the fat Friar shook as with an ague, and the lean Friar bowed his head over his horse's neck.
Then next they met two noble knights in rich array, with hawk on wrist, and likewise two fair ladies clad in silks and velvets, all a-riding on noble steeds.

These all made room, staring, as Little John and the two friars came along the road.

To them Little John bowed humbly.