Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/524

512 And, were I cook'd, my bulk might scarce afford One scanty mouthful to my hungry lord.'
 * "What may I more relate?—the captive wight

Assay'd to melt the villain all he might; And fairly promis'd, were he once set free, In gratitude to teach him secrets three; Three secrets, all so marvellous and rare, His race knew nought that might with these compare.
 * "The carle prick'd up his ears amain; he loos'd

The songster thrall, by love of gain seduc'd: Up to the summit of the pine-tree's shade Sped the blithe bird, and there at ease he stay'd, And trick'd his plumes full leisurely, I trow, Till the carle claim'd his promise from below: 'Right gladly;' quoth the bird; 'now grow thee wise: All human prudence few brief lines comprize: First then, lest haply in the event it fail, 'Is this thy secret? quoth the moody elf, 'Keep then thy silly lesson for thyself; I need it not:'—'Howbe 'tis not amiss To prick thy memory with advice like this But late, meseems, thou hadst forgot the lore; Now may'st thou hold it fast for evermore.