Here follows a list of "the most remarkable cases of the use of these and similar talismans in imaginative literature." To these may be added the garland described in the curious old story of the _Wright's Wife_, which has been printed since the publication of Mr. Child's work.
"Haue here thys garlond of roses ryche, In alle thys lond ys none yt lyche; For ytt wylle euer be newe. Wete þou wele withowtyn fable, Alle the whyle thy wyfe ys stable The chaplett wolle hold hewe; And yf thy wyfe vse putry, Or tolle eny man to lye her by, Than wolle yt change hewe; And by the garlond þou may see, Fekylle or fals yf þat sche be, Or ellys yf sche be trewe."
_The Wright's Chaste Wife_ (E. E. Text Soc. 1865, 1. 55-66).]
In the third day of may, To Carleile did come A kind curteous child, That cold[3] much of wisdome.
A kirtle and a mantle 5 This child had uppon, With 'brouches' and ringes[4] Full richelye bedone.[5]
He had a sute of silke About his middle drawne; 10 Without he cold of curtesye He thought itt much shame.
God speed thee, king Arthur, Sitting at thy meate: And the goodly queene Guenéver, 15 I cannott her forgett.
I tell you, lords, in this hall; I hett[6] you all to 'heede';[7] Except you be the more surer Is you for to dread. 20
He plucked out of his 'poterner,'[8][9] And longer wold not dwell, He pulled forth a pretty mantle, Betweene two nut-shells.
Have thou here, king Arthur; 25 Have thou heere of mee: Give itt to thy comely queene Shapen as itt is alreadye.
Itt shall never become that wiffe, That hath once done amisse. 30 Then every knight in the kings court Began to care for 'his.'[10]
Forth came dame Guénever; To the mantle shee her 'hied';[11] The ladye shee was newfangle, 35 But yett shee was affrayd.
When shee had taken the mantle; She stoode as shee had beene madd: It was from the top to the toe As sheeres had itt shread. 40
One while was itt 'gule';[12][13] Another while was itt greene; Another while was itt wadded:[14] Ill itt did her beseeme.
Another while was it blacke 45 And bore the worst hue: By my troth, quoth king Arthur, I thinke thou be not true.
Shee threw downe the mantle, That bright was of blee;[15] 50 Fast with a rudd[16] redd, To her chamber can[17] shee flee.