King Robert of Sicily

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King Robert of Sicily

English romance of unknown authorship, written during the fourteenth century. It tells the story of King Robert of Sicily, who was beguiled by pride into sneering at a priest saying mass. An angel is sent by God to punish him, and transforms the king into the likeness of his own fool, sent out to lie with the dogs. King Robert is allowed to resume his proper shape after a long and ignominious penance. The theme is an ancient one, with parallels in early Buddhist and Hindu tales. It was revived by the poet Longfellow in one of his Tales of a Wayside Inn.

Sources:

Baring-Gould, S. Curiosities of Olden Times. London: J. T. Hayes, 1869.