through the park and wood. Canacee understood all the birds' songs,
for she wore her magic ring, and she sang with them for very gladness
of heart.

Suddenly, upon a tree-trunk, dried as white as chalk, she saw a
falcon sitting. The bird's cry was piteous to hear, and as it sat it
so beat itself with its wings and pecked itself with its sharp beak
that the red blood ran down.

Canacee nearly fainted at the sorrowful sight. She went nearer,
however, and saw that the falcon was a princess among birds, with
fine white feathers and perfect shape. For a long time she watched
it, thinking it would fall from the tree in its weakness. At last she
spoke to it. "Why sit you here so sorrowfully?" she said. "Surely it
is for the death of some loved one, or the love of some faithless one
that you weep. Tell me, can I not help you? I know the virtue of all
herbs, and will find a salve for your wounds." The falcon cried yet
louder, and at last fell down in a swoon. Canacee was quick and
caught it as it fell. She laid it in her lap and waited till it
should recover. At length the falcon opened its eyes, and began to
speak. Canacee understood all.

"Long ago," said the falcon, "I lived happily in a tall rock of grey
marble, for I am royally born. Many birds wooed me, but especially
one, who seemed the very flower of chivalry--a tercelet eagle, strong
and famous. For many years I rejected his suit, but at last gave him
all my heart and my love, and thought that I had all his true love
and service in return. Ah me for the faithlessness of men! One day he
must needs go to a far land. We took a loving farewell, yet I was sad
at heart and fearful, I know not why. The pain of death could not be