Take, for instance, the following story concerning the famous mantle of King Ryence. Readers of King Arthur will remember the young sovereign's manful defiance, when, soon after his elevation to the throne, a messenger came from King Ryence demanding King Arthur's beard (though, indeed, he must have been too young to have one) to complete a mantle which King Ryence was purfling (bordering) with kings' beards,—a demand which Arthur pronounced "the most villainous and lewdest message that ever man heard sent to a king." The following version shows what prodigiously different forms the same narrative may assume.
Once upon a time two kings of Old Britain were walking together at night. Their names were Nynniaw and Peibiaw.
"See," said Nynniaw, "what a beautiful and large field I own!"
"Where is it?" said Peibiaw.
"The whole firmament," said Nynniaw.
"And do thou see," said Peibiaw, "what countless herds of cattle and sheep I have, feeding in thy field!"
"Where are they?" said Nynniaw.
"Why, all the stars which thou seest," replied Peibiaw, "with the moon for their shepherdess."
"They shall not graze in my pasture," said Nynniaw.
"They shall," said Peibiaw.