Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/75

Rh and by these beasts have been devoured." "That is all very fine," returned Ganter, "but as I feel no relish for either the bed or the beasts, I will not be your king." He therefore went his way, and came into another kingdom, where, in like manner, he was called to the throne. At night he entered the bed-chamber, and beheld a very superb couch full of sharp razors "What!" exclaimed he, "am I to sleep in this bed!" "Even so, my lord," replied the attendants; "for in this bed all our kings have laid, and have perished." "Why," said Ganter; "every thing is excellent, and this bed most excellent of all; but because of this I will not be your sovereign." In the morning he again departed, and travelled for three days alone. On the way, he saw an old man sitting above a fountain. His hand contained a staff; and when our traveller approached, he said, "My dear Ganter, whence come you?" "I come," he replied, "from foreign countries." "And where are you going?" "To seek three things which I cannot find." "What are they?" "The first," said Ganter, "is unfailing plenty; the