Minstrals in a Stew

The threat of more rain brought tears to the eyes of the wandering
minstrels. It had rained steadily for three weeks; causing the three
quivering warblers to weep and lament on their cold and soggy lot in
life.

It was 1427, and the minstrels had been commanded by Henry VI, age 6,
to accompany him on a trip to France. The whims of the young king were
trying on the three middle-aged balladeers, and the fact that they
could be called upon at any hour, freezing rain or frigid shine, made
it u

"Rain naught," wailed Julius. " Rain naught, I beg of thee."

For, when it rained, the king wished to be entertained. And the king
had requested a royal dance that very evening, with the three wandering
minstrels to finish the festivities with a merry song.

"A merry song indeed!" said Victor. "A pox on the king!"

"I would forfeit a king's inheritance," said Winslow, "to secure that
royal runt to the end of a boatman's oar."

The three minstrels had a hearty laugh, then fell back upon their
melancholy ways as the sky let loose with a wicked exhibition of its
might.

"But perform we must," lamented Julius.

"My joints dost ache so," said Victor. "I fear my marrow hast turned to
frost. And I've no longer a use for my cod piece, for my cod has gone
the way of the frightened turtle."

"'Tis a pity, that," laughed Winslow. "The shepherds' flock will no
doubt mourn its loss."

"A pox on you, as well!" cried Victor.

"Gentlemen, gentlemen," said Julius. "Let us put an end to this
nonsense, and rehearse for our royal performance. I have written
something special for the king, and would like to know what you
think."

Julius cleared his sore throat and sang the following:

Once there was a bad boy king,
And Henry was his name, oh!
H. E. N. R. Y!
H. E. N. R. Y!
H. E. N. R. Y!
And Henry was his name, oh!

The king has asked us for a song,
And songs they are our business.
S. O. N. G. S!
S. O. N. G. S!
S. O. N. G. S!
And songs they are our business!

This freezing rain will kill us yet.
Has Henry lost his marbles?
H. E. N. R. Y!
H. E. N. R. Y!
H. E. N. R. Y!
Has Henry lost him marbles?

After their performance before the king, the three wandering minstrels
were demoted to the rank of royal food tasters. And when they weren't
tasting the kings food, they were made to look for the young kings'
marbles.

"Just let me know when you find them," laughed the king. "I should very
much like them back."