SOLOMON AND THE SERPENT’S PREY.

A curious popular tradition of Solomon, in French verse, is given by M. Emile Blemont in La Tradition (an excellent journal of folklore, etc., published at Paris) for March 1889, p. 73:  Solomon, we are informed, in very ancient times ruled over all beings [on the earth], and, if we may believe our ancestors, was the King of magicians.  One day Man appeared before him, praying to be delivered from the Serpent, who ever lay in wait to devour him.  “That I cannot do,” said Solomon; “for he is my preceptor, and I have given him the privilege to eat whatsoever he likes best.”  Man responded:  “Is that so?  Well, let him gorge himself without stint; but he has no right to devour me.”  “So you say,” quoth Solomon; “but are you sure of it?” Said Man:  “I call the light to witness it; for I have the high honour of being in this world superior to all other creatures.”  At these words the whole of the assembly [of animals] protested.  “And I!” said the Eagle, with a loud voice, as he alighted on a rock.  “Corcorico!” chanted the Cock.  The Monkey was scratching himself and admiring his grinning phiz in the water, which served him for a looking-glass.  Then the Buzzard was beside himself [with rage].  And the Cuckoo was wailing.  The Ass rolled over and over, crying:  “Heehaw! how ugly Man is!” The Elephant stamped about with his heavy feet, his trumpet raised towards the heavens.  The Bear assumed dignified airs, while the Peacock was showing off his wheel-like tail.  And in the distance the Lion was majestically exhaling his disdain in a long sigh.

Then said Solomon:  “Silence!  Man is right:  is he not the only beast who gets drunk at all seasons?  But, to accede to his request, as an honest prince, I ought to be able to give the Serpent something preferable, or at least equal, to his favourite prey.  Therefore hear my decision:  Let the Gnat—­the smallest of animals—­find out in what creature circulates the most exquisite blood in the world; and that creature shall belong to you, O Serpent.  And I summon you all to appear here, without fail, on this day twelvemonths hence, that the Gnat may tell us the result of his experiments.”

The year past, the Gnat—­subtle taster—­was slowly winging his way back when he met the Swallow.  “Good day, friend Swallow,” says he.  “Good day, friend Gnat,” replies the Swallow.  “Have you accomplished your mission?” “Yes, my dear,” responded the Gnat.  “Well, what is then the most delicious blood under the heavens?” “My dear, it is that of Man.”  “What!—­of him?  I haven’t heard.  Speak louder.”  The Gnat was beginning to raise his voice, and opened his mouth to speak louder, when the Swallow quickly fell upon him and nipped off his tongue in the middle of a word.  Spite of this, the Gnat continued his way, and arrived next day at the general assembly, where Solomon was already seated.  But when the