Page:Tales of old Lusitania.djvu/101



a rich man had a son, who was born with such a courageous spirit that even in his infancy no circumstance, however fearful, could startle or terrify him.

An augur, who was consulted at his birth, predicted from the signs in the heavens and the planetary influences present at the time, "That the child would grow up into a man of undaunted courage, whom nothing could terrify; that the child was under a spell, by which he would feel compelled to wander through many lands, seeking for adventures. But that the charm he laboured under would be dispelled the instant he met with anything that should succeed in frightening him."

While yet a mere boy, urged by his restless spirit and taste for romantic adventures, he went to his father, and said: "Father, give me my portion, for I wish to travel and seek new scenes and adventures."