Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/519

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"This fable is told in the Greek legend of, written by Johannes Damascenus; and in Caxton's , fol. 129. It is also found in of Alphonsus."—.

Mr. Way has told this tale so beautifully, that no apology is necessary for its introduction here.


 * " days of yore, at least a century since,

There liv'd a carle as wealthy as a prince: His name I wot not; but his wide domain Was rich with stream and forest, mead and plain; To crown the whole, one manor he possess'd In choice delight so passing all the rest, No castle, burgh, or city might compare With the quaint beauties of that mansion rare. The sooth to say, I fear my words may seem Like some strange fabling, or fantastick dream, If, unadvis'd, the portraiture I trace, And each brave pleasure of that peerless place; Foreknow ye then, by necromantick might Was rais'd this paradise of all delight;