History
Escape from the Langobards
“When the servants announced to the king that he was drinking insatiably, the king merrily answered: ‘Let that drunkard drink; but tomorrow he will spill out the same wines mixed with blood.'” […]
Trickery
Eastern Europe
An Untrustworthy Archbishop
“The bishop turned back into the city with Adalbert and was released from his oath, as it seemed to him, because he had already permitted him to remain in safety in his own place.” […]
Greek and Roman
On the Road with a Killer Angel
“The pilgrim turned, and pointed with his finger to the road they were to take; but as he turned, the angel seized him by the shoulders, and precipitated him into the stream below.” […]
History
The Honesty of a Goldsmith
“The goldsmith on hearing this remained silent as if it were no great moment. But when the job was finished and delivered, he asked for and obtained a few days off. He met the duke, and standing in his path as he was going to the affair, he related to him what he had heard.” […]
Supernatural
A Demon in Disguise
“Before Jesus Christ was born in the flesh, devils had great power over human beings; but when He came, this power was greatly diminished. They were dispersed, some here, some there, for they fled headlong from His presence. I remember that I myself jumped down a well.” […]
Human Affairs
A Marriage Arranged by Force
“Simulating an illness, he sent for Giselbert, who stood next in line to succeed to the dukedom of his father, captured him by treachery, and sent him under guard to King Henry.” […]
Greek and Roman
The Poison Kiss
“Do not touch her, for if you do, you will certainly perish. She has been nurtured upon the most deleterious food, which I will prove to you immediately. Here is a malefactor, who is already condemned to death. He shall be united to her, and you will soon see the truth of what I advance.” […]
Britons and Celts
My Strength is Yours To Spy
“But when he learnt what was their errand, and that they wanted to estimate his strength, he had them taken through all the tents, and shewed the whole host to them. Then he used them exceeding well, gave them abundantly to eat and drink, and let them go without injury or molestation.” […]
Britons and Celts
A Dirty Rotten Prank
“He took a lozenge, put it in his mouth, and chewed it apace, by means whereof when the fume ascended he began to spattle and spit, saying by Gods bones it is a Cat’s turd.” […]
Orient
Assassins Origins
“When the Sheikh desired the death of some great lord, he would take some of these Asssassins of his and send them wherever he might wish, telling them that he was minded to dispatch them to Paradise. They would according go and kill such and such a man; if they died on their mission, they would go there all the sooner.” […]