@3How Pope John's table was made ready for the feast of the Holy Apostles@1 When there were Popes in Avignon Great wonder came to pass, And there was cheer, and benison, At tourney, fair, and Mass, Till John was Pope, and his feast was spread All on Apostles' Day Whereon the beggar mouths were fed By cardinals in array. They decked the papal shoulders old In robes of baudekyn, And took his heavy chair of gold And proudly bore him in. @3How he beheld a strange guest among his bedesmen.@1 "Ho, Steward," did he whisper then, "Come hither unto me! Did I not call for twelve poor men, Yet thirteen here I see?" "Most Holy Father, grace I pray" -- The steward blanched with fear -- "I fetched but twelve as for this day You bade me welcome here." @3How they deemed the holy Pope was become distraught.@1 Pope John, astounded, looked around; "My cardinals and lords, Are there not thirteen to be found Here seated at our boards?" The courtiers all let droop their eyes; The Gascon cardinal spoke -- "Your Holiness would deign surprise His household with a joke?" @3How the Pope challengeth the unbidden guest to declare his state.@1 The Pontiff shook his head for nay, "By Lady Mary, now," He cried and pointed, "Fellow, say, I charge thee, who art thou?" 'Twas then the outcast raised his head And threw his hood aside; His face was like the unshrouded dead As "Judas," he replied. "And darest thou, accursed one," Cried out the Pope in rage, "To venture near the sacred throne Where Christian men engage!" @3How the outcast maketh mock of Pope John's anger.@1 The stranger scoffed -- "Nay, I have sate At higher feasts than thine, Whereat Rabboni brake and ate, And changed to blood the wine." And seeing not whence came that sound, The court went on its knees; Pope John half staggered to the ground, But the stranger kept his ease. @3How Pope John saw that his feast must go on.@1 He drew his hood upon his head, As though no more to heed. Pope John upraised his Ring, and said, "So must our feast proceed." |