84 OVER ON THE ISLAND

crest of three feathers and its motto, I ch Dien. These he made his own. Since that time each Prince of Wales has adopted this motto, Ich Diem—I serve. But there seems to be something to spoil every good legend—”

“ I know. History says now that Alfred didn’t burn the cakes," said the ex-Islander scomfully. “Of course he burned them. It is even said that Robert the Bruce didn’t watch the spider in the cave. Well, if he didn’t, who did?"

“It’s the same with this motto,’ I interrupted hurriedly. ” It is said that it should not be the High German [ch Dien but the Guelderland Ich Dene. That immediately ruins the romantic tradition of the conquering hero borrowing the vanquished king's motto. For I ch Dene is adopted from Dutch Guelder- land, with which England was associated through the marriage of Edward I II’s sister to the Duke of Guelder- land. This secret about the tradition came out through the chance discovery of an old manuscript written during the lifetime of the Black Prince. It

spells the motto Ich Dene.” “It would! They should have hidden the manu-

script and not spoiled the story like that.”

“ You‘ve been to Falconwood, I suppose?"

“Yes, indeed. Beautiful grounds there.”

“Well, you certainly have seen the main items of interest, but I know one you have probably overlooked. Have you read any Island poetry?”

“No, is there any?”

“Certainly. I brought these volumes from the library out here where I could enjoy them.”

I passed them over.

I