Page:The Famous History of the Learned Friar Bacon.djvu/7

 turned down a bye lane, and rode over hedge and ditch, backwards and forwards till the charm was dissolved.

When the Friar came into the King's presence, he made his obeisance, and was kindly received by him. Then the King said, Worthy Bacon, having heard much of your fame, the cause of my sending was to be a spectator of the fine curiosities of your art. The Friar excused himself at first, but the King pressing it, and promising on his word that no harm would come to him, he bid every one keep silence, and then waving his magic wand, there presently ensued the most melodious music they bad ever heard, which continued very ravishing half an hour. Then waving his wand, another kind of music was heard; and as they played a table was placed by an invisible hand, and richly covered with all the dainties that could be thought on. Then he bid the King and Queen draw near to partake of the provision, and thereupon the place was perfumed with all the sweets of Arabia, Then waving his wand again, came in Russians, Persians, and Polanders, clad with the finest furs and richest silks in the universe; which he bid them feel; and then the strangers all dancing after their fashion, vanished. In