“It isn’t in sight yet!” said Colin in surprise, for hitherto one pageant had followed swiftly upon another. “Oh! but here’s a man on horseback, dressed _splendidly_!” Margery cried. “What is he going to do?” “He’s part of the play,” Master Gyseburn explained. “He is a messenger who is going to tell us what it’s all about.” By this time the rider, who came from a side-street, was clattering over the stones of the market-place. Just beneath the window he drew up his horse, and, raising his plumed cap, began in these words to address the multitude: “All peace, Lordings, that be present, And hearken now with good intent How Noah away from us he went With all his company; And Abraham, through God’s grace He is come forth into this place, And you will give him room and space To tell you his storye. This play, forsooth, begin shall he, In worship of the Trinity, That you may all hear and see What shall be done to-day. My name is Gobbet-on-the-Green, No longer here I may be seen; Farewell, my Lordings, all by dene [in haste] For letting [hindering] of your play.” Setting spurs to his horse, the messenger, a brilliant figure in a doublet of sapphire blue laced with gold, and long crimson hose, rode away, disappearing at the opposite corner of the market-place from that at which he had entered. And now another figure came into view, also riding. This was a stately man in long robes, wearing a curious turban of linen. “Is that Abraham?” asked Colin. “But where is Isaac?” “He doesn’t come yet,” answered Master Gyseburn. “The story, you see, begins long before Isaac is born. Abraham has just returned from his victory over the four kings. Listen! He is explaining how the kings took his nephew Lot prisoner, and how he released him, and conquered the kings.” “Now there’s another man coming on horseback!” said Margery. “Oh! look how beautifully he is dressed, with rubies on his gown, and on the thing that comes over his forehead. Who is he?” “That’s Melchizedek, King of Salem, and priest of the Most High God. He is coming to bless Abraham for conquering the kings, and to give him bread and wine.” “Yes! A servant is holding up a golden cup to him and a golden plate!” said Colin. “And now he’s going to give the bread and wine to Abraham, I suppose.” This duly happened as Colin had guessed, for Melchizedek, reining up his horse close to Abraham, began to speak, offering him presently the golden cup and platter: “Abraham, welcome must thou be, God’s grace is fully in thee; Blessed ever must thou be That enemies so can make. I have brought, as thou may’st see, Bread and wine for thy degree; Receive this present now from me, And that I thee beseke [beseech].” Then Abraham, taking the bread and wine, answered in this fashion: