knight, extremely terrified, returned with the news to the lady. She reflected that thirty years were a long period, and resolved on the marriage. During the whole of the above time the parties remained in perfect happiness.
"When the thirty years were nearly elapsed, the knight built a strong castle, and over one of the gates, in a conspicuous place, caused the following verses to be written:
'In my distress, religious aid I sought:
But my distress relieved, I held it nought.
The wolf was sick, a lamb he seemed to be;
But health restored, a wolf again we see.'
Interrogated as to the meaning of these enigmatical
lines, the knight at once explained them, by
relating his own story, and added, that in eight days
time the thirty years would expire. He invited all
his friends to a feast at that period, and when the
day was arrived, the guests placed at table, and the
minstrels attuning their instruments of music, a
beautiful bird flew in at the window, and began to
sing with uncommon sweetness. The knight listened
attentively, and said, 'I fear this bird prognosticates
misfortune.' He then took his bow, and
