Page:Tales of old Lusitania.djvu/203

Rh The man did as the sea monster had commanded him, and in due time his wife gave birth to two beautiful boys, whilst the mare had two splendid colts; and a short time after this he saw two spears spring up from the ground behind the garden gate, where he had buried the two pieces of fish, by which the man understood that the boys were destined to become great warriors.

When the boys had attained the age when they were likely to be drawn for the army, the father one day called them to him, and said: "You must now go and serve the king and your country, defending them both like valiant warriors. Here you have two horses, and two spears which you must never allow your enemy to split."

The two boys took leave of their parents and left home, but when on the high road, the eldest, who was named George, said to his younger brother: "I propose that we should now separate, and each take a different road, but we must try to meet again in a year's time, to relate to each other how we have fared, and our different exploits during the time. Take this branch of basil: if you see it wither it will be a sign that I am in danger, or that some misfortune has befallen me, then you must at once seek me and come to my aid."

The younger brother promised compliance, and they separated, each taking a different route, George