Ballads 1: King John and the Abbott of Canterbury

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A ballad is a song that tells a story. The oldest ballads, some say, are older than the alphabet even, having been composed and sung far, far back in man's history at old tribal dances for which they were the only music.

In this series I will be reading a variety of traditional, modern and intellectual ballads. Some of these will be well known such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and some, like today's ballad are lesser known.

Ballads are especially great for middle schoolers. It is a great introduction to advanced English and they are also fun stories to contemplate. 

Enjoys today's tale of a jealous King who believes his Abbott is cheating him. The only way he can leave without losing his head is if the abbott can answer three questions posed by the king.