diff --git a/lovebird.lua b/lovebird.lua
index 7a3179f..b4a6eec 100644
--- a/lovebird.lua
+++ b/lovebird.lua
@@ -497,7 +497,7 @@ end
 
 
 function lovebird.htmlescape(str)
-  return str:gsub("<", "&lt;")
+  return ( str:gsub("<", "&lt;") )
 end