Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/425

Rh lancet in his turban, to use it when there should be an opportunity.

"An opportunity soon offered itself. The king wanted to be bled, and the surgeon was sent for. He came, and began to bind up the king's arm, while they placed a bason to receive the blood. The surgeon took the fatal lancet out of his turban, and was just going to open the vein, when, accidentally casting his eye on the bason, he read these words that were engraved upon it. Never begin anything till you have first reflected what will be the end of it. He instantly fell into a deep study, and said within himself, 'If I bleed the king with this lancet, he is a dead man. If he die, I shall certainly be seized, and put to death amidst dreadful torments. When I am dead, what will the crowns of gold that I have received avail me?' Struck with these reflections, he put the poisoned lancet into his turban, and took another out of his pocket. The king, perceiving it, asked him why he changed the lancet. 'Sir, (answered the surgeon) because the point of the first was not good.' 'Show it me, (said the prince;) I will see it.' Then the surgeon was almost struck dumb with fear, and seemed in great confusion. The king cried out, 'What means this concern thou art in? It conceals some mystery; tell me the