THE MEDIEVAL PLEASAUNCE 83 



recreation. It was often chosen for giving audience 

 and receiving friends. In the " Romance of Garin le The 

 Loherain " the messenger found the great baron seated 

 in a garden surrounded by his friends. 



" Trouva Fromont scant en un jardin 

 Environ lui avoit de ses amins." 



"Roman de Garin," I, 282. 



There entertainment was furnished by the troubadours, 

 who sang their Chansons de Geste, interspersed with 

 romances of the Crusades, of prowess, and of love ; by 

 the jugglers and tumblers, who performed wonderful 

 tricks and gymnastic feats ; and by the dancing-girls, 

 whose graceful motions were of an Oriental character. 

 The guests themselves also frequently carolled, or 

 danced in a circle, sang songs, and played upon 

 musical instruments for their own diversion. 



" Tho myghtist thou karoles sene, 

 And folk daunce and mery bene, 

 And made many a faire tournyng 

 Upon the grene gras springyng. 

 There myghtist thou se these flowtours, 

 Mynstrales and eke jogelours, 

 That wel to synge dide her peyne, 

 Somme songe songes of Loreyne ; 

 For in Loreyn her notes bee 

 Full swetter than in this contreV' 



Garland weaving was a favourite occupation for Garland 

 ladies. Both men and women wore chaplets of flowers andweai 

 on festive occasions, and they were also given as 



