Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/182

170 sick, he voided two prodigious black crows, feathers and all, which immediately flew away. I am much concerned; but for your life not a word respecting it." The other promised very faithfully—and immediately told her neighbour, that three black crows had taken this most alarming flight. The next edition of the story made it four; and in this way it spread until it was very credibly reported that forty black crows had been evacuated by one unfortunate varlet. But the joke had gone farther than he dreamt of; he became much disturbed, and assembling his busy neighbours, explained to them that having wished to prove whether or not his wife could keep a secret, he had made such a communication. Soon after this, his wife dying, he ended his days in a cloister . (29)