Page:Gesta Romanorum - Swan - Wright - 2.djvu/86

were to do next. "On such a day," said one, "he journeys to a particular city; we will hide ourselves in a by-path, through which, in all probability, he will pass, and so kill him." The counsel was approved. The king, as had been expected, prepared to set out; and riding on till he came to a cross-way, much less circuitous than the high road, his kinghts said, "My lord, it will be better for you to go this way, than to pass along the broad road; it is considerably nearer." The king pondered the matter within himself, "The second maxim," thought he, "admonishes me never to forsake the high-way for a by-way. I will adhere to that maxim." Then turning to his soldiers, "I shall not quit the public road; but you, if it please ye, may proceed by that path, and prepare for my approach." Accordingly a number of them went; and the ambush, imagining that the king rode in their company, fell upon them and put the greater part to the sword. When the news reached the king, he secretly exclaimed, "My second maxim hath also saved my life."