WHY THE CROW- IS BLACK 101 



Then he wept over her, as if his heart would 

 break. 



But all at once, springing to his feet, he caught 

 the wicked bird by the neck. 



He shook him until all his snow-white 

 feathers fell out ! 



" May you and your children for ever and ever 

 be black, you teller of black tales ! " he cried. 



" But you shall tell no more tales!" he said. 

 " You shall tell no more tales ! 



" From this day, you shall never speak an- 

 other word. 



" Instead of your sweet song, you shall have a 

 dismal croak. 



" And when people hear you, they will know 

 that the black clouds are gathering, and the 

 storm coming." 



Now I am not sure that thie is a true story, 

 but this is true : 



Nobody likes the person who brings bad 

 news. 



Adapted from CHAUCER'S "Canterbury Tales." 



