Found a copy of the start of the Tale. "Now in the olden days of King Arthur, Of whom the Britons speak with great honour, All this wide land was land of faery. The elf-queen, with her jolly company, Danced oftentimes on many a green mead; This was the old opinion, as I read. I speak of many hundred years ago; But now no man can see the elves, you know. For now the so-great charity and prayers Of limiters and other holy friars That do infest each land and every stream As thick as motes are in a bright sunbeam, Blessing halls, chambers, kitchens, ladies' bowers, Cities and towns and castles and high towers, Manors and barns and stables, aye and dairies- This causes it that there are now no fairies. For where was wont to walk full many an elf, Right there walks now the limiter himself In noons and afternoons and in mornings, Saying his matins and such holy things, As he goes round his district in his gown. "
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
timeasmymeasure
no subject
Date: 2006-01-14 12:38 am (UTC)Found a copy of the start of the Tale.
"Now in the olden days of King Arthur,
Of whom the Britons speak with great honour,
All this wide land was land of faery.
The elf-queen, with her jolly company,
Danced oftentimes on many a green mead;
This was the old opinion, as I read.
I speak of many hundred years ago;
But now no man can see the elves, you know.
For now the so-great charity and prayers
Of limiters and other holy friars
That do infest each land and every stream
As thick as motes are in a bright sunbeam,
Blessing halls, chambers, kitchens, ladies' bowers,
Cities and towns and castles and high towers,
Manors and barns and stables, aye and dairies-
This causes it that there are now no fairies.
For where was wont to walk full many an elf,
Right there walks now the limiter himself
In noons and afternoons and in mornings,
Saying his matins and such holy things,
As he goes round his district in his gown. "