Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/126

c knight, extremely terrified, returned with the news to the lady. She reflected that thirty years were a long period, and resolved on the marriage. During the whole of the above time the parties remained in perfect happiness.

"When the thirty years were nearly elapsed, the knight built a strong castle, and over one of the gates, in a conspicuous place, caused the following verses to be written:

Interrogated as to the meaning of these enigmatical lines, the knight at once explained them, by relating his own story, and added, that in eight days time the thirty years would expire. He invited all his friends to a feast at that period, and when the day was arrived, the guests placed at table, and the minstrels attuning their instruments of music, a beautiful bird flew in at the window, and began to sing with uncommon sweetness. The knight listened attentively, and said, 'I fear this bird prognosticates misfortune.' He then took his bow, and