IN LEGEND AND FABLE 33 



had been made, the swallows began to build 

 their nests in the eaves of the roof of tiles. 

 And from that day to this they have con- 

 tinued to make their homes upon the humble 

 little houses of the poor and to bring to 

 them peace and good fortune. 



When Jesus was on his way to be cruci- 

 fied upon Calvary, the disconsolate little 

 swallows followed him with the holy women, 

 and when he hung upon the cross they 

 pulled the thorns from out the crown which 

 had been placed upon his brow and which 

 pierced his sacred head. 



When he died the swallows at once put on 

 mourning, covering themselves with a black 

 mantle, which they wear to this day. And 

 in Spain there is sung a little couplet in 

 memory of this pious service, which runs : — 



On the mount of Calvary, 

 The swallows, pitying, 

 Drew out ten thousand thorns 

 From the poor Christ, suffering. 



Our third legend which has to do with the 



CAM. SW. BK. — 3 



