Yeomen prickers they are, who tend to the King's hunt.

The gleeman is called Floyting Will.

He comes from the north country, but for many years he hath gone the round of the forest from Southampton to Christchurch.

He drinks much and pays little but it would make your ribs crackle to hear him sing the 'Jest of Hendy Tobias.' Mayhap he will sing it when the ale has warmed him." "Who are those next to him ?" asked Alleyne, much interested.

"He of the fur mantle has a wise and reverent face." "He is a seller of pills and salves, very learned in humors, and rheums, and fluxes, and all manner of ailments.