compassed by trenches, to which but one entrance presented itself. Upon this plain, as it is commonly reported, on the authority of remote traditions, during the hush of night, while the moon shone, if any knight called aloud, he was immediately met by another, who started up from the opposite quarter, ready armed and mounted for combat. The encounter invariably ended in the overthrow of one party. This fact, related upon the faith of many to whom it was well known, I have myself heard, both from the inhabitants of the place and others[1].
There was once in Great Britain, a knight, whose name was Albert, strong in arms, and adorned with every virtue. It was his fortune to enter the above-mentioned castle, where he was hospitably received. At night, after supper, as is usual in great families, during the winter, the household assembled round the hearth, and occupied the hour in relating divers tales[2]. At last, they discoursed of
