164 THE PLEASANT HISTORY OF CHAP.

hedge was taken by the neck with a snare, so
that there was no way for him to escape with
life. A’certain man passing by, the serpent
called and cried unto him and desired his help,
or else he should perish presently. The man
taking pity of him said, “If thou wilt faithfully
promise me neither to do me hurt with thy
tooth or tail, nor other poison about thee, |
will release thee.” The serpent presently
swore “he would not, neither at that time nor
any time hereafter” ; so the man unloosed him
and set him free, and they went forth and
travelled together a long season.

‘At the last the serpent grew exceeding
hungry, and rushing upon the man offered to
kill him; but the man started aside, and said,
‘What meanest thou to do? hast thou for-
gotten thine oath?” The serpent replied,
“No; but I may justly kill thee since I am
compelled thereto by hunger, which cancelleth
all obligations.” ‘Then the man said, ‘If it be
so, yet give me leave to live till we may meet
with the next passenger which may judge the
controversy.”

‘The serpent agreed thereto; so they
travelled till they met with 7zsedén the raven,
and Stnofere his son, to whom relating the