The masked lad

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It is May Day 1497. The cobbled square is filled with merrymakers. Here a band of wandering minstrels, plucking citterns, crashing cymbals and blowing crumhorns. There, a juggler. Six costumed mummers amuse a group of onlookers with a pantomime. A gasping crowd surrounds a blindfolded fellow as he jaculates pointed knives t’ward a fair maiden shackled to a wooden wall. Jocoserious jonglers abound. Acrobats, soothsayers, conjurers.

A masked lad sidles up to a pretty lass. She, a vision of loveliness in a gown of pastel jaconet. He lowers his vizard and bows deeply. She curtseys. As his nut brown eyes look into hers her cheeks blossom.

“Hail beauteous dame, well met. How art thee this fine day”

“I am in valorous health kind sir”.

“P’rchance shall thee consume fine foods with me?”

“T’wouldst be’est mine own pleasure kind sir”.

“Then taketh mine hand. We shall share together a Big Mac and fr…..”

“CUT!  Joey, for the last time, you are taking her to de’Montfault’s, not bloody McDonalds!’

TAKE TWENTY THREE”..

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This story is similar to one I wrote on J-day during 2016’s A-Z Challenge when I featured obscure words from days of yore! Incase you are wonderng …

Jongleur n. A medieval troubadour, wandering entertainer.

Jocoserious adj. Both funny and serious.

Jaculates (behave!) n. Hurls or darts, as of knives and spears.

Jaconet n. Thin cotton fabric.

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Image credit; Sander Sammy Unsplash

Thanks to Sadje for hosting the What Do You See? photo prompt.

 

25 thoughts on “The masked lad

  1. V. Sparrow's avatar V. Sparrow Apr 15, 2024 / 14:26

    Okay, this is getting crazy–I started laughing before I’d read 2 full words! And I haven’t stopped…is this blog permeated with helium/laughing gas?? (My parents would say, “Leslie, you’re getting silly now, time for bed!) And I really should consider that…it’s 6:23 am here, I’ve been writing all night. Tomorrow is another day, Scarlet/Charlotte. Thanks as alway for keeping me 6 years old! Have a blessed day, Keith!

    Liked by 1 person

      • V. Sparrow's avatar V. Sparrow Apr 15, 2024 / 22:43

        I did get some sleep–and now it’s Monday with full to-do list. See you soon!!

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Suzette Benjamin's avatar Suzette Benjamin Apr 15, 2024 / 16:08

    Ahahaha!! Keith you had me with vions of of fine dininig until the Big Mac!!
    Well penned with a crisp well-played lead up to the twist.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Dale's avatar Dale Apr 15, 2024 / 16:59

    Hahaha! That was wonderful, Keith! Loved the ole lingo!

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Sadje's avatar Sadje Apr 15, 2024 / 17:46

    Oh I remember the original one too. Such a funny story. Loved these high sounding words ( which I can’t spell or pronounce). Thanks Keith for joining in.

    Liked by 1 person

      • Sadje's avatar Sadje Apr 16, 2024 / 17:20

        Oh yes I remember that. You’re very clever at these.

        Like

  5. Mason Bushell's avatar Mason Bushell Apr 15, 2024 / 19:17

    What a wonderful display of medieval reverie, and then that last bit simply hilarious! I love all the period words you used in this, Keith. Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

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