A Life Saved by a Night-Cap

An old chronicler tells the story thus; Henry, Earl of Holsatia, having gotten into favor with Edward III., King of England, by reason of his valor, was envied by the courtiers, whereupon they one day counselled the queen that she would make trial whether this Henry was so noble-born as he gave out, by causing a lion to be let loose upon him, saying, "That the lion would not so much as touch Henry if he were noble indeed." They got leave of the queen to make trial upon the earl. Henry used to rise before day and to take the fresh air of the morning. The lion was let loose in the night, and the earl having a night gown cast over his shirt, with his girdle and sword, coming down stairs into the court, met there with the lion bristling his hair and roaring. He nothing astonished, said with a stout voice: "Stand ! stand, dog !" At these words the lion crouched at his feet. To the amazement of the courtiers who looked out of their holes, he placed his night-cap on the lion's head, led him into his den and came forth without looking behind him. "Now," said he to those looking out at the windows, "let him who is most proud of his pedigree go and fetch me my night-cap." But no one of them dared.