Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/416

404 do so, indeed, the question (as of the three rings) is yet remaining."

It also occurs in the, Nov. 71, and perhaps in Swift's. Tyrwhitt, however, thinks otherwise.

A very singular anachronism; but for what reason (save that of ignorance!) chronology has been so much violated, it is not easy to conceive. There does not appear any necessity for fixing the date.

"The stories, perhaps fabulous, of the serpent fighting with his inveterate enemy, the weasel, who eats rue before the attack begins; and of the serpent fighting with, and being killed by the spider, originate from Pliny, X. 84. XX. 13."—

Perhaps this part of the story may arise in the classical tale of Gordius, who was similarly raised to the throne. See Justin II. c. 7.