Adam of the Road

While they are on the road to London with Sir Edmund’s family, the ladies of the family summon Roger to play for them. The lady of the house, Lady Richenda, invites Adam and Nick to rest in the carriage with the women. He sits on the floor beside Margery. Roger tells the ladies the story of Sir Orfeo, and Adam falls asleep. When he wakes, Roger is telling the most exciting part of the story. Adam tries to enhance the excitement by striking chords on his harp, but the harp is out of tune, and he plays poorly. The ladies laugh, and Roger frowns. Margery tries to comfort Adam but unintentionally insults him further. Embarrassed, Adam slips out of the carriage and decides to walk.

While walking, Adam meets a squire named Simon, who is in love with Sir Edmund’s older daughter, Emilie. Simon asks Adam to teach him a minstrel song, and he does, also telling him about his earlier embarrassment in the carriage. The two of them laugh, and Adam feels better. Roger joins them, and the three men ride the rest of the way to Sir Edmund’s together.

Sir Edmund’s house lies between London and Westminster.