The Marvellous Adventures and Rare Conceits of Master Tyll Owlglass; Newly Collected, Chronicled and Set Forth, in Our English Tongue (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1860. Excerpt: ... jn Irawtittjj afrnrato. How that Owlglass became a maker of spectacles, and perceived that trade was very bad. NGRY and contentious were the monarchs and electors, and there was no Roman Caesar or king all this while. And it came to pass, that the Count of Supplenburg was chosen to be Roman king; yet were there others who with might desired to enter into the empire. Therefore was it, that the newly chosen Roman king had to sit down before Frankfort with a large army for the space of six months, and there lie in wait for some one to beat him off. And as with him abode there much folk, both foot and horse, Owlglass bethought him within himself: "Lo now among the king's people shall thy affairs be most profitably advanced; and now will I get me up, and among the many strange lords which be there, will I make happy fortune; for of money will these gentles bestow not a little upon me." Then did he according to his words, and gat him up, and departed on his way. And all the great folk of all countries came together there. And in the Wetterau by Friedberg it came to pass, that the Bishop of Trier, with his folk, encounteted our noble Master Owlglass by the way, as he journeyed on toward Frankfort. Now Owlglass was curiously apparelled; and the bishop--who, like unto most meddling priests, delighted much in prying into all matters--asked of Owlglass what manner of man he was, and in what way he earned his living. Then opened Owlglass his mouth, and spake unto the bishop, and said unto him: "Most reverend lord and father, a maker of spectacles am I, and from Brabant do I fare. And in that country do people so clearly see, that I can by my trade win nothing. Therefore do I journey in search of work, the which I might do because trade is bad." Then said the bishop: ...