Page:History of Fortunatus (4).pdf/18

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.

18

and his drink proceeded from a pleasant brook hard by; but Andolocia was more solicitous about his horns than any thing else, and intreated the hermit if he knew any way to cure him, and he would give him ten crowns, which was all the money he had left; for Agrippina had carried away all the jewels as well as the hat; but though he promised to cure him, yet he refused his money, telling him, he had returned from the world, and the vanities of it, and money to him was useless; but going abroad, he brought home six fair apples, two of which Andolocia had no sooner eaten, but his horns dropt of, which made him greatly rejoice. So the good old man bidding him give glory to God, led him out of the forest, and at the edge of it they parted.

Andolocia having some of the hornified apples, and likewise four of the contrary quality, began to meditate revenge on Agrippina, and so coming with all speed to England, he got an opportunity to present them to her, as fruit grown in the holy garden of Jerusalem, to restore decayed beauty and health for several years, make the aged look young, and other wonders. But she had no sooner ate two of them, and finding a drowsiness, lying down to sleep, and dreaming she was turned into a goat; but awaking, she found a strange alteration and going to her glass, and seeing her horns, affrighted, she startled and shrieked out, whereupon her ladies came about her, and were as much affrighted at the sight as she: but a grave matron, who had been her nurse, advised them to be silent, to prevent the disgrace that might follow, till Physicians were consulted, whose