From his verses we learn to approve of the well-known system of early
rising and early retiring, with many minor points about washing,
dressing, caring for the teeth and nails, and other mysteries of the
toilet. Then follow rules for behaviour in church, with directions to
preserve a quiet demeanour, and avoid improper use of the eyes or the
tongue. From the church the writer conducts his pupil to the
dinner-table, reciting many important details in carving, passing the
dishes properly, and performing the correct ablutions. He closes this
episode with the excellent advice that no harm can come from tempering
wine with water. After this comes the conversation in the drawing-room,
and many naive methods of raising interesting discussions are suggested.
Less highly gifted than the Troubadours were the Jongleurs, who composed
their retinue. These musical jacks-of-all-trades began as accompanists,
singing the songs of their master at the castles he visited. But soon
they grew numerous and independent, and occupied a station varying from
that of our public entertainers to that of the humblest street musician.
Nothing came amiss to them,--singing, playing all instruments, dancing,
imitating the calls of animals and birds, and even the juggling that has
derived its name from them. In the wandering life that they led, they
were often forced to take their wives and children along, and thus women
grew accustomed to take some part in the performances.
The glee-maidens were essentially an English institution, and no doubt
they were more sure of courtesy and protection in that country than on
the Continent. They were by far the most romantic figures of the
minstrel world. Often they would wander about the country alone and
unguarded, braving or avoiding the dangers of the road. Sometimes their
only escort was a pet dog or a goat. They arrayed themselves in small
garments of bright colours, often adorned with silver, while on their
feet were leather buskins. They were at home in the courtyards of
castles and monasteries no less than in the midst of villages and towns,
and, mounting on some slight knoll, they would entertain gentles and
commoners with voice and violin. They are often introduced into the
romances of early England, and many famous glee-maidens are found on the
pages of history. One of the most celebrated was Adeline, who lived in
the time of William the Conqueror, and was successful enough to be
rewarded by him with an estate.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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