Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 1.djvu/91

Rh bird, which laboured so diligently to deliver her young one.

CHAPTER IV.

"The emperor Gauterus," &c.—This is the XXIst Tale, Vol. II. of the original Gesta; and, as the reader will see, not related with much variety.

CHAPTER XVIII. In Rome some time dwelt a mighty emperor named Philominus, who had one only daughter, who was fair and gracious in the sight of every man, who had to name Aglaes. There was also in the emperor's palace a gentle knight that loved dearly this lady. It befel after on a day, that this knight talked with this lady, and secretly uttered his desire to her. Then she said courteously, seeing you have uttered to me the secrets of your heart, I will likewise for your love utter to you the secrets of my heart, and truly I say, that above all other I love you best. Then said the knight, I purpose to visit the Holy Land, and therefore give me your troth, that this seven years you shall take no other