[836] This story, to which we have already referred (see above, [p. 321]), is told by Wace, 15194 et seqq. The words of the prophetess are;

“Amis, dist-el, or sai, or sai,

Une novele te dirai;

Henris iert Reis hastivement,

Se mis augures ne ment;

Remembre tei de ço k’ai dit,

Ke cil iert Reis jusqu’à petit;

Se ço n’est veir ke jo te di,

Dire porras ke j’ai menti.”

Here again I can only tell the story as I find it in a writer whose authority at this stage is not first-rate. It is easy to say (see N. C. vol. v. p. 824) that it points to a known plot for the King’s murder. It is equally easy to say that the story is a mere fable suggested by what followed. In short, where there is no real evidence, it is easy to make any guesses that we think good.