ry twig of his hazels and chesnut trees a quantity of
bird-lime, and set throughout the orchard so many traps and springs,
that the nightingale was shortly caught. Immediately running to his
wife, and twisting the bird's neck, he tossed it into her bosom so
hastily that she was sprinkled with the blood; adding that her enemy
was now dead, and she might in future sleep in quiet. The lady, who, it
seems, was not fertile in expedients, submitted to the loss of her
nightly conversations, and was contented with exculpating herself
towards her lover by sending him the dead bird inclosed in a bag of
white satin, on which she embroidered the history of its fate; and her
gallant paramour caused his mistress's present to be inclosed in a
golden box, richly studded with gems, which he constantly carried about
his person.[79]

FOOTNOTES:

[78] Laustic is still a Nightingale in the Breton language, and
l'eaustic is the French manner of speaking.

No. IX.--MILUN.[80]

Milun was a knight of South Wales. His strength and prowess were such,
that he never met an adversary who was able to unhorse him. His
reputation spread far beyond the borders of his own country, and he was
known and admired in Ireland, Norway, Gothland, Loegria (England), and
Albany (Scotland). At no great distance from his castle dwelt an opulent
baron, who had an only daughter, courteous and beautiful. Hearing his
praises from all quarters, she became enamoured, and sent a messenger to
say, her heart was at his service if he thought it worth acceptance.
Milun, whose affections were not pre-engaged, returned an answer
expressive of gratitude, sent his gold ring as a symbol of inviolable
constancy; and, having fixed her messenger in his interests by
magnificent presents, arranged with him a secure place of meeting. Their
intercourse was managed so discreetly as to excite no suspicion; till
the young lady, sending for her lover, represented to him that longer
concealment was impossible. By an ancient law she was subject, on
discovery, at her father's option, to be punished with instant death or
sold as a slave; and she saw no means of escaping this frightful
alternative. Milun listened in silent horror, but could suggest no
expedient, when her old nurse undertook to conceal the rest, if the
child could be properly disposed of; and for this the young lady found a
ready contrivance. She had a sister richly married in Northumberland, to
whom Milun might cause the