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

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,
Yield not a ready faith to every tale:'—
'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.