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Persians and Polanders, dressed in the finest soft fur, silks, and downs of rare fowls, that are to be found in the universe, which he bid them feel; and then the strangers, having danced after their own country fashion vanished.
In this fort Friar Bacon pleased their five senses, to their admiration, and high satisfaction; so that the king offered him money, but he refused it, saying, he could not take it: However the king pressed on him a jewel of great value, commanding him to wear it as a mark of his favour. Whilst this was doing, the gentlemen of the bed-chamber came in puffing and blowing, all bemired and dirty, and his face and hands scratched with the bushes and briars. The king, at this sight, demanded why he staid so long? and how he came in that condition? O plague, said he, take Friar Bacon, and all his devils! they have led me a fine dance, to the endangering of my neck.—— But is the dog here! I’ll be revenged on him! Then he laid his hand on his sword, but Bacon waving his wand, charmed it into his scabbard, (so he could not draw it out) saying, I fear not your anger; ’tis best for you to be quiet, lest a worse thing befal you: Then he told the king how he gave him the lye, when he told him he would be there before him.
