This poem is written by an anonymous poet which tells us an interesting story about king John, the cruel king of England and the abbot of Canterbury. Once the conspirators poisoned the ears of king John against the abbot of Canterbury. They informed him that Abbot had grown very rich and he was gaining popularity among of area. Therefore he decided to kill him. King John called the Abbot in his court and put the charge of treason on him. The Abbot refused the charge of treason but he put him three typical questions and laid the conditions. Then he would be beheaded and his property would be confiscated. In the first question King wanted to know his exact price. Secondly how much time it would take him to travel around the world. Thirdly the king asked him what he was thinking at that time King John, how ever, gave him three weeks time.
The Abbot was very confused. He went to Oxford and Cambridge Universities, but he could not get the answer of the questions. When he was returning towards his home, he met his shepherd who resembled him very much. When he knew the problem of his master, he proposed to appear before king John on behalf of his master.
At last shepherd appeared in the shape of Abbot before the King. He could not not recognise the shepherd and gave him answer of his questions.
To the first question, he replied the value of the king was only twenty nine pence and he proved his answer by quoting the example of Christ who was sold for only thirty pence. Secondly, he told the king that he would require only twenty four hours to have a complete round of the earth to prove his answer. Thirdly, he told the king that he was thinking him the Abbot of Canterbury, where as he was his poor shepherd. The king was very pleased by his answers. The King gave him a pension of four nobles a week and pardoned the Abbot of Canterbury.
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