[40] In 1641 there was published a tract, with a frontispiece, entitled "A True Relation of an Apparition, in the Likeness of a Bird with a white breast, that appeared hovering over the Death-bed of some of the children of Mr. James Oxenham, &c."
[41] This tradition has been wrought into a romantic story, entitled "Chartley, or the Fatalist."
[42] "Popular Romances of West of England."
CHAPTER XI.[ToC]
WEIRD POSSESSIONS.
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"But not a word o' it; 'tis fairies' treasure, Which, but revealed, brings on the blabber's ruin." |
| Massinger's "Fatal Dowry." |
From the earliest days a strange fatality has been supposed to cling to certain things—a phase of superstition which probably finds as many believers nowadays as when Homer wrote of the fatal necklace of Eriphyle that wrought mischief to all who had been in possession of it. In numerous cases, it is difficult to account for the prejudice thus displayed, although occasionally it is based on some traditionary story. But whatever the origin of the luck, or ill-luck, attaching to sundry family possessions, such heirlooms have been preserved with a kind of superstitious care, handed down from generation to generation.