Swearing by Swans

Symbology of the swan. "Tunc allati sunt in pompatica gloria duo cygni, vel olores, ante regem, &c. &c.,—vindicaturus."[9]—*Matthæus Westmonasteriensis*. Dr. Lingard states that "the vows of chivalry were not taken on the gospels, but, ridiculous as it may appear, in the presence of a peacock, or pheasant, or other bird of beautiful plumage."—*History of England*, Edward I. "Nec dissimili ingenio Heraldi antiquiores, musicos et cantatores cygnis[10] donarunt. Ejusque haud ignarus perspicax noster Franciscanus cum hos a non cantoribus latos observasset, rationem se ait a rege heraldorum petiiss…