Moreover I know of another
mere, whereof you would be more amazed than of both these marvels.
This lake is close by the Severn in the land of Wales. The sea pours
its tide into this lake; yet empty itself as it may, the waters of the
lake remain ever at the same height, never more and never less. The
ocean itself may not suffice to heap its waters above the lake,
neither to cover its shores. Yet at the ebbing of the tide, when the
sea turns to flee, then the lake spues forth the water it has taken to
its belly, so that the banks are swallowed up, the great waves rise
tall in their wrath, and the wide fields round about are hid, and all
is sodden with the foam. The folk of that country tell that should a
man stare upon the wave in its anger, so that his vesture and body be
wetted of the spray, then, whatever be his strength, the water will
draw him to itself, for it is mightier than he. Many a man has
struggled and fallen on the brink, and been drowned in its clutch. But
if a man turn his back upon the water, then he may stand safely upon
the bank, taking his pleasure as long as he will. The wave will pass
by him, doing him no mischief; he will not be wetted even of the
flying foam." So Hoel marvelled greatly at these wonders told him by
the king.
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