Oh, never fear. I charm but fools and children;
Now that the rats are gone.--Bring me a Book:
A big one!--

[Murmurs. The PIPER defiant. The crowd moves towards the
Minster. Enter ANSELM the priest, with a little acolyte,--the
two bearing a large illuminated Gospel-book. ANSELM, eyeing
the PIPER gravely, opens the book, which the boy supports on
his head and shoulders.

PIPER
Ho, 't is too heavy! Come, you cherub-head,
Here's too much laid upon one guardian angel!
[Beckons another small boy, and sets the book on their two backs.
Well?--well? What now?
[He looks in frank bewilderment at the eager crowd.

CROWD
Read, read!

KURT
He cannot read.

PIPER
[to ANSELM]
Turn--turn--there's nothing there.
[ANSELM turns pages. PIPER looks on blankly]
. . . Ah, turn again!
The red one!--
[He takes his fife from his belt]